Punjab Tourism Department Revives Seven 'Dead Projects' Through Private Leases
The Punjab tourism department has embarked on a significant initiative to breathe new life into several iconic but neglected properties across the state. In a strategic move to revive what officials term as 'dead projects', the department has leased out seven prime properties to private entities. This includes two notable landmarks: the Bougainvillea Floating Restaurant in Sirhind and Hotel Amaltas in Ludhiana.
Key Properties Handed Over for Revival
According to information obtained from the Punjab tourism department, the leasing process is already underway. The Floating Restaurant and Hotel Amaltas have been officially handed over to private firms. Meanwhile, the lease contracts for two other properties—Water Lily Tourist Complex at Ropar and Chandni Tourist Complex in Nadampur, Sangrur—are in an advanced stage and awaiting final approval.
The remaining three properties slated for private management include:
- Darbar Hall in Kapurthala: A heritage building known for its magnificent architecture, once serving as the royal court of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh.
- Aam Khas Bagh in Sirhind: A massive Mughal-era garden complex that historically functioned as a luxurious highway resort for royalty traveling between Delhi and Lahore.
- Pinkcassia Tourist Complex in Ropar: A government-run resort famed for its picturesque location on the banks of the Sutlej river, adjacent to the Ropar wetland.
Focus on Hotel Amaltas and Floating Restaurant
Hotel Amaltas, one of Ludhiana's oldest hotels, opened in the 1970s and was once a highly profitable venture for the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). Known as an 'oasis of peace' due to its scenic surroundings and lush greenery, the hotel has been shut since 2009, falling into disrepair as private hotels proliferated in the city. It has now been handed over to M/S Amsons Contractors, with renovation work already initiated.
The Bougainvillea Floating Restaurant, located in the Sirhind area of Fatehgarh Sahib, is a unique eatery that 'floats' on the waters of the Bhakra main line, also known as the Sirhind Canal. Considered an engineering marvel with its structure resting on five massive cylinders to withstand water pressure, the restaurant has been closed for over a decade. It has been leased to M/S Amar Food Plaza for revival.
Financial and Strategic Insights
Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, Director of Punjab Tourism, elaborated on the department's strategy. 'The decision to lease out the seven properties to private entities has been taken to revive the dead projects,' he stated. He highlighted the success of the 'Ran-Baas' project in Patiala, where a royal property in Qila Mubarak Palace was transformed into a boutique heritage hotel, as a model for these revivals.
Tiwari confirmed that Hotel Amaltas and the Floating Restaurant have been leased on a license basis for 15 years, with monthly rates ranging from Rs 3 to 5 lakh each. This translates to an average annual revenue of approximately Rs 60 lakh per property, though estimates suggest the tourism department aims to make between Rs 36 lakh to Rs 60 lakh annually from each. 'The condition of both properties was quite bad. The private firms will be renovating them at their own expense,' he added, noting that work has commenced on these two, while the other five are in the pipeline for approval.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in leveraging private sector expertise to restore Punjab's tourism infrastructure, potentially boosting local economies and preserving cultural heritage.
