The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday approved a multi-thousand crore heritage rejuvenation plan for Amritsar to make it the top tourist destination in South-East Asia. Sukhbir himself will head the Metropolitan Council of Amritsar that will oversee and monitor the time-bound execution of all projects.

The council on Thursday gave in-principle approval to the upgradation of Attari Tourist Reception Centre, which will offer a restaurant, food plaza, open air-theatre and multi-level parking to facilitate the tourists.

While approving the conceptual plan of the Town Hall project, he also gave his nod to the conservation and upkeep of Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital building.

“The Punjab government will approach the Prime Minister to immediately sanction a train between Amritsar and Delhi or extend the Delhi-Chandigarh train already approved for Amritsar,” said Sukhbir.