Work to expand spectators’ gallery begins at Attari

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 5

The work on the much-awaited expansion of the spectators’ gallery for the famous retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post (JCP) has finally started.

BSF officials said the work would be carried out in a phased manner so that the lowering of the flags ceremony, which attracts thousands of tourists daily, doesn’t get affected. Initially, the existing structures in the gallery area are being demolished so as to pave the way for the new construction. Sources said the construction work would kick off soon after the debris is removed.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had laid the foundation stone of the gallery on March 22, coinciding with the golden jubilee celebrations of the raising of the BSF.

To come up at a cost of Rs 24 crore, the new gallery will have a seating capacity of 15,000 as compared to 5,000 at present. Sources said the spectators’ gallery would not only be expanded but also be redesigned to facilitate better height and viewing angles to watch the ceremony. The project will also include facilities like conference hall, dining hall, kitchen, guards’ room, hall, lobby and a medical room.

The BSF also intends to have CCTV cameras, bullet-proof control room, cafeteria, a spacious parking area, open-air theatre, toilets, observational tower and VIP gallery.

At present, the BSF authorities also face a lot of problems in handling a huge rush and many visitors return without watching the flag lowering ceremony due to the lack of space.

The BSF had even installed a giant LED screen at the border on January 26 to ensure that those who don’t get space inside the gallery can watch the ceremony on it. On weekends, the number of visitors for the retreat ceremony goes as high as 20,000.