Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today launched the prestigious tourism project ‘Panj Takht Darshan’ by Tourist Train and Air’ for the pilgrimage of five Sikh Takhts by the Punjab Tourism. In his address during the media launch of this major tourism project here at Kapurthala House, Badal said that Panj Takht Darshan should not be merely construed as a Sikh pilgrimage of five takhts rather it should be seen in a wider concept as the Sikhism preached the global message of humanity and therefore everyone regardless of religion, caste, creed and colour should visit these holy places to strengthen the bonds of universal brotherhood, peace and harmony. The Chief Minister especially thanked the IRCTC and the Luxury Trains Group for launching this tourist project of immense historical importance which would go a long way to showcase the rich legacy of Sikhism amongst the Indians as well as NRIs besides the younger generations to acquaint them with the philosophy of Sikhism. Badal further said that a week long journey would cover Sri Akal Takht Sahib/Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Jallianwala Bagh, Panj Sarovar Walk, Attari Border (Amritsar), Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Jyoti Sarup Sahib (Sri Fatehgarh Sahib), Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Virasat–e–Khalsa Heritage Complex (Sri Anandpur Sahib), Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Guru Ka Bagh (Patna), Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded. He said that Punjab, with its magnificent cultural heritage, palaces, Gurdwaras and bountiful natural resources has tremendous potential in the tourism sector. He said that state Government has already embarked on several initiatives to give a major thrust to the tourism sector. Badal mentioned that Punjab State now ranks 14th in the number of tourist arrivals- as per the Government of India Report 2010, placed above Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir states. He pointed out the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) has prepared 15 years Tourism Master Plan for Punjab with the assistance of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). On the basis of this initiative, Punjab was one of the states which was sanctioned Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisted Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism worth Rs. 400 crore. The Chief Minister further said that the Punjab government has envisaged an ambitious plan to make huge investments in this sector during the next five years on infrastructure, conservation of heritage sites/ buildings and product development. He revealed that Punjab has recently launched new tourism products; Farm tourism, Bed and Breakfast scheme, Tented accommodation, Heritage walk, Fair & Festivals, Destinations, Circuits, special ‘Panj Takht Darshan’ journey of five holy Takhts of Sikhism. Keeping in view the significance of religious tourism and sentiments of the people, the Punjab government has recently signed a MoU with Himachal Pradesh to setup 3.75 Km long Ropeway at the cost of Rs. 85 crore between Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Naina Devi, added the Chief Minister. Later, the Chief Minister released a booklet, a brochure and a souvenir of Panj Takht Darshan and also launched a booking portal of Indian Railway Catering Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) on the occasion. The Chief Minister felicitated Nahar Singh who amongst the audience offered a cheque of Rs.1 lac for the maiden booking of a ticket for the pilgrimage to five takhts. Meanwhile the CEO of The Luxury Trains Sajivve Trehaan gave a detailed presentation on the Panj Takht Darshan and sought patronage from the people to make this unique tourist project connecting five takhts of Sikhism through train and air as a grand success. Addressing on the occasion, Tourism & Cultural Affairs Minister Punjab Sarwan Singh Phillaur described the launching of Panj Takht Darshan (journey) as a major breakthrough in the state tourism. He said that the PHTPB would undertake extensive marketing of this prestigious project not in the country but across the globe especially in UK, USA & Canada etc. to attract the Punjabi Diaspora to visit the holy five Takhts. He said initially this train will run twice in this financial year, but depending upon the response frequency could be increased also. Under the 12th five year plan the state tourism department has primirely focused its attention to explore the untapped potential in the tourism sector thereby developing four tourist circuits viz.Sikh Circuit, Eco-Tourism Circuit, Freedom Trail Circuit & Heritage Circuit in a big way. Earlier, in her welcome address Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha said that PHTPB has signed a MoU on December 12, 2011 with IRCTC to run Tourist Train named as “Panj Takht Darshan” covering three Holy Takhts in Punjab by train and 2 other Holy Takhts in Patna & Nanded Sahib by Air. First departure of ‘Panj Takht Darshan’ will be on 30th December 2012 from New Delhi and 2nd on 17th March 2013. It will be a six nights and seven days journey by Train and Air. IRCTC will manage the complete operation of Sikh Circuit Special Tourist Train including off board and on board services. Air services will be arranged and looked after by marketing agency, The Luxury Train. Pilgrims can board the train from New Delhi on 30th December 2012 or from Amritsar on 1st January 2013. Entire cost of the package tour to and fro from Delhi would be 1st AC Rs.1,00,001/- and 2nd AC Rs. 90,000/- per person. Likewise, the package would be 1st AC Rs.97,500/- and 2nd AC Rs. 88,050/- per person from Amritsar. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Tourism Balvir Singh Ghunas, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister KJS Cheema, Additional Special Secretary Tourism GoI Sanjay Kothari, Director Information & Public Relations DS Mangat, and MD IRCTC Rakesh Tandon.