Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has called for urgent government intervention to decongest traffic around the Golden Temple in Amritsar by developing smart, steel-intensive urban infrastructure. Emphasising the need for a holistic and modernised approach to city planning, Sahney proposed the creation of a Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS), underground vehicle tunnels, and multi-storey parking facilities to ease the mounting pressure on the city’s roads.
Amritsar, one of the most visited religious destinations in India, has been grappling with chronic traffic congestion, particularly in the vicinity of the Golden Temple. Sahney highlighted that a significant portion of this congestion stems from a lack of integrated mobility systems and outdated infrastructure. He urged the Centre and the Punjab government to jointly develop a roadmap that incorporates sustainable, space-efficient, and steel-reliant solutions.
The suggested projects—especially MRTS corridors and underground tunnels—would require extensive use of high-grade steel in structural components such as tunnel linings, support systems, rail tracks, and parking decks. This aligns closely with the broader vision of deploying steel as a central material in India’s infrastructure modernisation efforts, particularly in urban redevelopment projects.
Industry experts note that such projects could provide a much-needed boost to domestic steel demand while also contributing to the Smart Cities Mission. The use of steel enables faster construction, higher durability, and adaptability to seismic conditions—key considerations in cities like Amritsar with dense populations and heritage zones.
Sahney also emphasised the importance of preserving the sanctity and aesthetics of the Golden Temple area while modernising the city’s transit and parking systems. He called for inclusive planning that balances cultural sensitivity with infrastructure efficiency.
