CM Mann’s Mega Tourism Plan – Pathankot Adventure Hub, Film City & International Cricket Stadium on the Way

National News: The Punjab government has come up with big plans to make the state one of India’s leading tourist spots. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that world-class tourist places are being developed in the hilly regions near Pathankot, while Amritsar and Mohali are also being upgraded with modern facilities. The government believes Punjab will soon become a major centre for tourism in the country.

Boost to Entertainment and Sports Tourism

To encourage the tourism and entertainment sector, CM Mann has called on industrialists to invest. Under this vision, Punjab will soon get a modern film city, which will attract Bollywood as well as Punjabi filmmakers. Along with this, an international cricket stadium is being planned in Amritsar, expected to raise the level of sports tourism. These projects will not only help the state’s economy but also create lakhs of jobs for the youth. Punjab, once mainly known for its fields and gurdwaras, is now appearing in a new form on the tourism map. Under CM Mann’s leadership, major steps have been taken in the past three years to improve tourism, which has boosted the state’s economy and opened more opportunities for jobs. With investments of over ₹73 crore planned in 2024-25, Punjab is ready to compete with the top tourism states of India. A major achievement of the state has been the approval of the “Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act, 2025.” This law ensures smooth planning, investment, and monitoring of tourism projects. It allows private investors to get single-window clearance while local people benefit directly from tourism income. This shows that the government sees tourism not just as income but as a way to bring social and economic change.

Preserving Heritage and Promoting Adventure

Punjab has also taken big steps to keep alive the memory of freedom fighters and martyrs. The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum at Khatkar Kalan has been updated with modern features like 3D holograms, interactive displays, and multimedia setups to tell the story of the freedom struggle. Similarly, the Saragarhi Museum in Ferozepur is showcasing the bravery of 21 Sikh soldiers to global visitors. Important sites like Jallianwala Bagh and Qila Mubarak in Patiala have also been modernized, leading to a rise in both Indian and foreign tourists. The government is working to turn Pathankot and nearby hilly areas into the “Himalayan Gateway of Punjab.” Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam are being developed as adventure spots with jet-skiing, kite surfing, zip-lining, and floating luxury resorts. In Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Pathankot, 15 trekking routes, jungle safaris, camping areas, and homestays have been created in the Shivalik hills. These projects are drawing adventure lovers and also giving jobs to local youth as guides and operators. Motor paragliding and hot-air balloon rides have been started at Chamrod Port in Amritsar, making Punjab the first state in India’s plains to do so. Water sports, rock climbing, cycling routes, and nature trails are also being set up. The government is ensuring proper training and safety for all activities so that tourists enjoy world-class adventure experiences.

Rural Tourism and Cultural Promotion

Punjab has gained recognition at the national level in rural tourism. Nawan Pind Sardaran in Gurdaspur was awarded India’s Best Tourism Village 2023, while Hansali Farmstay in Fatehgarh Sahib received a national award in agri-tourism. Tourists here get to experience traditional Punjabi lifestyle, folk music, local food, and handicrafts. This has helped rural women and opened a market for local products. Plans are now underway to develop more than 50 villages as model tourism villages. To showcase Punjabi culture to the world, the state organized several major events in 2025. These included the Basant Mela in Ferozepur, Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, and special programs on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, attended by lakhs of devotees and tourists. Festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, and Teej are also being added to the tourism calendar and promoted globally. Regular cultural programs featuring Giddha, Bhangra, Qawwali, and Sufi music are also being held.

Digital Push and Job Opportunities

To make tourism easier in the digital age, the Punjab government has launched a new tourism app. This app gives details on hotels, transport, guides, events, and emergency help. AI-based chatbots in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, along with virtual tours and strong social media promotion, are attracting tourists. Free Wi-Fi, smart toilets, selfie spots, and info kiosks have been set up at main tourist sites. The rise in tourism has directly created jobs. Thousands of employment opportunities have come up in hotels, transport, handicrafts, guide services, and local businesses. Women’s self-help groups are now linked to tourism through training and financial help. Big projects like the film city and international cricket stadium will add even more direct and indirect jobs. The goal of the Punjab government is not only to make the state one of India’s top tourism spots in the next three years but also to place it on the world tourism map. By focusing on development, cultural preservation, and community participation, Punjab is moving toward an inclusive and sustainable model of tourism.