Centre approves passenger terminal building for Kartarpur Corridor

New Delhi [India], Mar 9 (ANI): India on Saturday approved the construction of a passenger terminal for Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. 
The state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) Complex at Kartarpur Corridor, from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district, Punjab to the international border, will have all the necessary passenger amenities to facilitate pilgrims intending to visit the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib on Pakistan side.
Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), which is mandated to build and operate integrated check posts along the land borders of the country, has reportedly been entrusted with this work and has been directed to complete the work on a fast track basis, before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019.
The design and quality parameters also have been prepared to keep in view the aspirations and religious sentiments of the followers of Guru Nanak Dev. In addition, fifty acres of land has been identified for the purpose and will be developed in two phases.
Phase-I will be developed over 15 acres for which the process of land acquisition has already commenced. It is proposed to have a fully air-conditioned building of approximately 21,650 sq meters built-up area.
The design of the PTB Complex has been inspired by the symbol ‘Khanda’ which represents the values of oneness and humanity. It is supposed to have adequate immigration and customs clearance facilities to process the smooth movement of approximately 5000 pilgrims per day.
Furthermore, the PTB complex will have open areas for kiosks, cloakrooms and adequate parking space. The passage up to the zero-point on the International border will be covered.
The Complex may cost an estimated Rs 190 crores. In addition, a 300 Feet National Monumental Flag will be erected at the International Border.
Meanwhile, the Phase-II will cover the development of a viewer gallery, a hospital, accommodation for pilgrims and expanded amenities.
On March 14, both India and Pakistan are slated to hold their first meeting to discuss and finalise modalities for the Kartarpur Corridor at the Attari-Wagah.
Following this, the Indian delegation is due to visit Islamabad on March 28, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 (ANI)