Pakistan's government announced its annual federal budget for the next fiscal year that includes Rs 1 billion ($10 million) to upgrade Kartarpur corridor.
According to the new development plan, Rs 1 billion (10 million dollars) are earmarked for the construction of the Nankana Sahib area.
Another Rs 1 billion (10 million dollars) have been allocated to upgrade the railway stations at Hassan Abdal, Nankana Sahib and Narowal.
The aim of the projects is to boost Sikh tourism in the region which is likely to gain traction after the opening of the corridor.
Significance of Katarpur corridor:
Kartarpur is considered the 'Mecca' for Sikhs. It is located near the river Ravi, approximately four kilometres from the Dera Baba Guru Nanak shrine in Pakistan. It is the final resting place of Sikh founder, Baba Guru Nanak Dev.
The opening of the area is expected to reduce the travel cost of Sikh pilgrims from India to the Baba Guru Nanak Dev shrine in Pakistan.
It will provide visa-fee travel to the Indian Sikh pilgrims.
The project is expected to complete before the 550th birthday of the Sikh founder later this year.
Last November Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor.
Former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, led his country's delegation to Pakistan for the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor. Source: AAP
In his speech, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that both India and Pakistan cannot move forward without breaking the chains of the past.
"If France and Germany can move forward, why can't we?" he asked.
Talking about the Sikh pilgrims, the prime minister said that all measures will be taken to help visitors from India.
"Currently, people from across the border watch the Darbar through binoculars; soon they will be able to not only visit the shrine but will also be able to stay here.
"The next year you come here, you will find every kind of facilities."
Indian and Pakistan government representatives have been meeting to finalise the opening of the corridor.
Delegations from both sides have met twice to chalk out the way forward for a smooth start to Sikh pilgrimage via Kartarpur Corridor.
The meeting between the delegations of the two countries held in March earlier this year, focused on the road construction and border fences.
India Pakistan talks on the Kartarpur Corridor, 14 March 2019. EPA/PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU HANDOUT Source: PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
