Pathankot: The Punjab government has identified 476.87 acres of land for tourism development around the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam in Pathankot district, with plans to attract ₹2,000 crore in private investment. The proposed projects include eco-villages, luxury hotels, wellness centres, water sports facilities, adventure tourism and other hospitality developments.
Hospitality companies such as Club Mahindra, Taj, ITC and Oberoi are among the prospective investors named in the proposals. However, the projects remain at a preliminary stage, with departmental clearances and investment plans yet to be finalised.
The initiative follows the Punjab Cabinet’s approval of the Ranjitgarh Development Authority (RDA) Bill, 2026, on October 5. The Bill aims to promote planned, sustainable and ecotourism-oriented development around the two dams.
Punjab Plans ₹2,000 Crore Tourism Investment Around Two Dams
The state government intends to develop the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam regions as tourism destinations by attracting private investment and creating hospitality and recreational infrastructure.
Both dam projects are located on the Ravi River in Pathankot district, near the Jammu and Kashmir border. The reservoirs, waterfronts and surrounding natural landscapes offer opportunities for ecotourism, nature-based recreation and hospitality projects.
The proposed development plan includes:
- Eco-villages and eco-resorts
- Luxury hotels and high-end hospitality facilities
- Serviced apartments, golf villas and convention centres
- Wellness centres and botanical gardens
- Boating facilities and water sports complexes
- Nature trails, forest eco-lodges and riverside retreats
- Houseboats, cruise terminals and dolphin safaris
- Mountain biking, glamping and adventure tourism zones
- Interpretation centres and other visitor facilities
The government aims to develop a range of tourism experiences while maintaining the environmental sustainability of the region.
Ranjitgarh Development Authority to Oversee Tourism Projects
The Punjab Cabinet approved the Ranjitgarh Development Authority Bill, 2026, at its meeting on October 5, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The proposed authority will function under the administrative control of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It is envisaged as the nodal body responsible for the integrated and planned development of the two dam regions as ecotourism destinations.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the authority will have administrative, financial and regulatory powers to oversee key aspects of development, including:
- Land management and planning
- Infrastructure development
- Project implementation
- Coordination among government departments
- Destination management and governance
- Environmental sustainability
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will chair the authority, while the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister will serve as its vice-chairman.
An executive committee headed by the Chief Secretary will oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate activities among the departments concerned.
476.87 Acres Identified for Tourism Development
The Punjab government has identified land at several locations around the Ranjit Sagar Dam region for tourism-related projects.
According to a senior Tourism Department official, the identified land parcels include:
- Ranjit Sagar Dam: 99.1 acres
- Southern Pocket: 10.17 acres
- Additional Pocket: 3.32 acres
- Niloh Tikka Palangi: 56.2 acres
- Kulara and Niloh Tikka Jatoli: 20.4 acres
- Phangota village lakefront: 112.98 acres
These locations are intended to accommodate a range of tourism facilities, including hospitality projects, recreational activities and nature-based attractions.
The government is looking to use the area’s lakefront locations and natural surroundings to develop tourism infrastructure that can attract visitors and private investors.
Shahpur Kandi Township to Get Separate Tourism Projects
In addition to the land identified around Ranjit Sagar Dam, the government has earmarked 150 acres at Shahpur Kandi township and adjoining locations for tourism-related development.
The land is owned by the Punjab Department of Water Resources.
Proposed facilities in the Shahpur Kandi region include:
- A senior citizen active-living complex and hospital
- A dam museum
- A cafeteria and conference facilities
- A hotel and an eco-resort
- Nature trails
- Boat services to Mukteshwar Temple
- A water sports complex
These projects are intended to expand tourism offerings in the region by combining hospitality, recreation, nature-based activities and visitor amenities.
Club Mahindra, Taj, ITC and Oberoi Among Prospective Investors
The tourism development proposals have identified interest from four to five private-sector entities. Hospitality brands including Club Mahindra, Taj, ITC and Oberoi are among the prospective investors named in the document.
The proposed investment of ₹2,000 crore is expected to support the creation of tourism infrastructure and hospitality facilities across the identified locations.
However, the proposals are still at an early stage. The government has yet to finalise the necessary departmental clearances, investment plans and other approvals required for individual projects.
Private-sector participation and the completion of regulatory processes will play an important role in determining how the development plans move forward.
Punjab Aims to Develop the Dam Regions as Ecotourism Destinations
Through the proposed Ranjitgarh Development Authority, the Punjab government aims to establish a coordinated framework for land management, infrastructure development and project execution around the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dams.
The initiative seeks to combine private investment with the region’s natural attractions to develop hospitality, recreational and ecotourism facilities.
If the proposed projects receive the necessary approvals and attract investment, they could expand tourism opportunities in Pathankot district and strengthen the region’s tourism infrastructure. The government has also emphasised environmental sustainability as a key consideration in the planned development.
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