Minister Harjot Bains : In a determined effort to restore Nangal’s former prestige and uplift the lives of its residents, Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Minister Harjot Bains , met with Union Power Minister Sh. Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Saturday. During the meeting, he requested the Union Minister’s active support for rejuvenating Nangal—a city known for its historical association with the Bhakra Nangal Dam.
Calling for the Union Minister’s personal involvement, Minister Harjot Bains outlined a vision to transform Nangal into a model city and a global tourist hub. His proposals included the redevelopment of the township, creation of a Nangal Lake Riverfront, a heritage-style scenic railway line for tourism, and the long-awaited completion of the Bhakra Nangal Dam Museum.
Highlighting the town’s significant place in India’s post-independence story, Minister Harjot Bains recalled Nangal’s golden era in the 1960s and 70s, when it stood out as a beautifully planned, culturally rich, and vibrant urban centre. However, he expressed concern over its steady decline, describing it as a “khandar town,” a pale reflection of its former self.
Minister Harjot Bains stressed the urgent need for comprehensive redevelopment, noting the lack of basic urban infrastructure such as cinema halls, shopping centres, and recreational spaces. Despite the availability of vacant land, these amenities have not been developed. He suggested leasing out portions of land through transparent processes to build recreational zones, parks, shopping areas, and employment hubs—initiatives that could not only enhance quality of life but also boost revenues for the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Minister Harjot Bains also proposed developing the Nangal Lake Riverfront, particularly the scenic River View Road near Sadan, which is currently underutilized. He envisioned this area as a world-class promenade with walking trails, cycling paths, cafes, and cultural venues—designed to attract tourists and serve local residents.
Another key proposal involved turning the disused railway line between Nangal and the Bhakra Dam into a scenic tourist attraction. He suggested launching a heritage-style, glass-roof train or a light rail service that would offer travelers a unique experience and help position Nangal as a key stop on the national tourism circuit.
Minister Harjot Bains also pressed for the expedited completion of the Bhakra Nangal Dam Museum. He pointed out that despite multiple foundation stone ceremonies, the museum remains incomplete. Once finished, he said, it could become a landmark celebrating India’s engineering achievements and development journey. He further proposed installing architectural lighting at the Bhakra Nangal Dam to enhance its visibility as a night-time tourist attraction, similar to other iconic global landmarks.
In addition, Minister Harjot Bains called for a modern and transparent lease policy to resolve the uncertainty faced by thousands of families in Nangal. He stressed that the existing lack of clarity is causing anxiety and deterring private investment. A fair and clear policy, he said, would not only secure the rights of residents but also generate consistent rental income for BBMB.
Concluding his appeal, Minister Harjot Bains earnestly urged Minister Khattar to take immediate steps for Nangal’s revival. He emphasized that the town does not seek charity, but rather a committed effort to reshape its future and reclaim its rightful place in India’s developmental narrative.