No lights to Wagah border leave tourists in the dark

“In February this year, a tourist from Sikkim named Ganga Maya lost her life in a snatching attempt while returning after watching the retreat ceremony, creating panic among tourists. Every day, between 20,000 and 50,000 tourists visit the Wagah border to witness the beating retreat ceremony, making it a major source of income for the tourism sector of Amritsar,” said a concerned local resident.

“Despite its importance, the highway still lacks basic amenities,” shared another local resident.

“Usually, tourists head to the beating retreat in the late afternoon but return after dusk. People use their own vehicles or hire taxis, buses, and autos for watching the beating retreat. Majority of tourists opt for auto-rickshaws hired from Amritsar city. Not only the general public and tourists, but the road also sees movement of international travelers and VIPs regularly,” mentioned a tourist from Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh.

The road also sees the movement of international travelers and VIPs regularly, and there is a toll barrier near Chidden village.

“It is pitch dark at some spots near the Khalsa village. Tourists heave a sigh of relief when they reach the periphery of Amritsar,” shared Rachita, a tourist from Assam. “It was my dream to witness the beating retreat ceremony, but I feel that the road leading to the international border must have all civic amenities for the safety of commuters.”

Vikram Sharma, a resident of Delhi, expressed concern saying, “I have read about an incident that took place with a Sikkimese girl, and it was very unfortunate.” “Apart from highway lights, I suggest that the local police must set up checkposts at short distances so that no one will dare to play with the lives of tourists. My family and I feel secure when the cantonment area starts,” he added.

“Recently miscreants snatched mobile from a tourist when they were returning from the beating retreat ceremony. The administration must provide the best services to tourists so that they remember their journey to Attari fondly,” said an auto-rickshaw driver, Prem Singh.

When contacted, Gharinda police station SHO Dr. Sheetal Singh said, “Lights normally work on this road. There could be some issues related to repair on the given day. Otherwise, lights work.”

However, a subsequent visit to the road a week after speaking with the police showed no change in the situation as the lights were still not working.