In an effort to boost its tourism, the Punjab government has not only announced its tourism policy, but also the development of new tourism circuits. To begin with, it has finalised three major circuits. With the state’s focus on pilgrim tourism, it has identified a Gurdwara circuit - Delhi, Patiala, Ropar, Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar, Muktsar, Talwandi-Sabo, Delhi which will be developed first. The second circuit, called Punjab Darshan circuit, includes Delhi, Patiala, Anandpur Sahib, Kapurthala, Amritsar and Delhi, while the third is Palace on Wheels, Patiala circuit. This short circuit includes Delhi, Patiala- Kapurthala and Amritsar.

The integrated development of tourism circuits, to be funded by the Union ministry of Tourism, will be finalised in consultation with the ministry. According to Amarinder Singh, chief minister, Punjab, “These places/destinations have a lot of tourism potential and linking them through circuits is an excellent idea. These circuits will be developed as per the international standards and we hope to complete the development within a decent period of time.”

The government is planning to specially market these circuits to Punjabi NRIs, who have high spending potential and look forward to enjoy this rich culture and tradition of their parent state. For the promotion of heritage and tourism, the state government has already constituted the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB), being chaired by the chief minister of Punjab. The government has also charted many new projects, including a multi-million project named Ajuba. However, the officials are tight-lipped about the details of the project except that it will find a place in the list of major attractions of India.