Golden Temple Plaza almost ready

Amritsar : After missing several deadlines, the expansion project of the Golden Temple Plaza is now set for completion by October. Official sources say the President is expected to inaugurate it on November 1.
In the first phase, the sprawling 8,250 sq ft marbled plaza opposite the Clock Tower entrance was thrown open to public on Diwali in 2014.
The work on the second phase, which is underway in its basement, has been hanging fire for long. It is being undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). JS Sodhi, Executive Engineer, said: “We hope to get its major part completed by next month which may be inaugurated by the President on November 1. Once completed, a number of facilities will be available in the basement.”These include a bank, an ATM, air and rail enquiry windows, washrooms etc, will be available.Four galleries are coming up in the basement which will enrich visitors with the core values of Sikhism. Each gallery will be well-furnished where the visitors can get audio as well as visual detailing on large LED screens.Sodhi said there would be a separate VIP and VVIP lounge with parking facility for visiting dignitaries and their entourage. A separate conference hall with a capacity of 100-150 seats has also been planned.