Guru Nanak Dev National Highway (Punjab)

The Guru Nanak Dev National Highway is a major infrastructural project in the Indian state of Punjab, developed to enhance regional connectivity and commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The highway symbolises both modern development and cultural reverence, linking significant religious and historical locations associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life while improving economic and transport efficiency across the state.

Background and Conception

The idea of naming a national highway after Guru Nanak Dev Ji emerged in 2019, during nationwide celebrations marking the 550th Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) of the Guru. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), decided to dedicate an important road corridor in Punjab to his memory as a tribute to his universal teachings of peace, equality, and humanity.
This initiative was in line with the broader plan to upgrade road infrastructure in Punjab and to improve access to Sikh pilgrimage destinations, thereby promoting religious tourism, regional development, and cultural integration.

Route and Coverage

The Guru Nanak Dev National Highway primarily refers to the National Highway connecting Kapurthala to Goindwal Sahib, passing through Sultanpur Lodhi — a place of immense historical significance in Sikhism. The route ensures direct, smooth, and safe connectivity among major religious towns linked with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings.
Key Route Alignment:

• Starting Point: Kapurthala
• Major Stops: Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib
• Termination Point: Taran Taran District

This alignment strategically connects several Gurudwaras associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, especially Gurudwara Ber Sahib at Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak attained enlightenment.

Construction and Development

The project was undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the supervision of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The total cost of the highway project was approximately ₹450–500 crore, covering an estimated length of about 75 kilometres.
The highway was developed in phases, incorporating modern design standards to support heavy vehicular traffic while maintaining environmental and heritage sensitivity.
Salient Features of the Highway Development:

• Four-lane design: To accommodate growing regional and pilgrim traffic.
• High-quality bituminous surfacing: Ensuring smooth and durable road conditions.
• Service lanes and underpasses: For safe access to villages and adjoining settlements.
• LED street lighting and signage: With special boards highlighting the cultural and religious importance of the route.
• Landscaping and greenery: Reflecting environmental sustainability in line with Punjab’s “Green Corridors” vision.

The road development included bypasses around key towns, minimising congestion and enhancing safety for pilgrims during major religious gatherings.

Significance of the Route

The Guru Nanak Dev National Highway is more than an infrastructural upgrade—it carries spiritual, social, and economic importance.

1. Religious and Cultural Significance:
   • It links some of the most revered Sikh shrines, including Gurudwara Ber Sahib (Sultanpur Lodhi), Gurudwara Goindwal Sahib, and Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib (Tarn Taran).
   • The route holds deep emotional value for devotees, serving as a modern parikrama (pilgrimage circuit) dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
2. Commemoration of the 550th Prakash Purab:
   • The project was part of a broader set of initiatives—such as the development of heritage circuits, beautification of towns, and restoration of sacred sites—undertaken by both the Punjab and Central governments to honour Guru Nanak’s legacy.
3. Economic and Regional Benefits:
   • The improved connectivity facilitates trade and tourism, boosting local economies along the route.
   • It supports small-scale industries, transport services, and hospitality businesses in Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi, and Tarn Taran.
4. Infrastructure Modernisation:
   • The highway contributes to Punjab’s expanding road network, integrating religious tourism with logistics and rural accessibility.

Inauguration and Dedication

The Guru Nanak Dev National Highway was inaugurated in November 2019, ahead of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations. The inauguration was accompanied by various cultural and spiritual events, attended by dignitaries from both the Central and Punjab State Governments.
The dedication of the highway symbolised a message of unity and reverence, representing Guru Nanak’s philosophy of Sarbat da Bhala—the welfare of all.

Environmental and Heritage Considerations

Given the sacred nature of the regions it passes through, the project was designed with strict environmental safeguards:

• Plantation of native trees along the roadside to enhance greenery.
• Use of eco-friendly materials for signage and landscaping.
• Avoidance of disruption to religious structures and heritage sites.
• Provisions for rest areas and amenities for pilgrims along the route.

The project also incorporated elements of sustainable infrastructure, ensuring minimum ecological disruption while improving transportation efficiency.

Integration with Broader Development Plans

The Guru Nanak Dev National Highway complements several other infrastructure and tourism development projects in Punjab, including:

• The Heritage Road Development Project in Sultanpur Lodhi.
• Upgradation of approach roads to major gurdwaras.
• Development of thematic tourism circuits, such as the Guru Circuit and Amritsar–Dera Baba Nanak Corridor.

Together, these initiatives are designed to enhance religious tourism, promote cultural heritage, and contribute to the state’s long-term sustainable development.

Legacy and Importance

The Guru Nanak Dev National Highway stands as a symbol of Punjab’s enduring respect for its spiritual heritage while embracing the imperatives of modern progress. By linking key religious and historical sites through world-class infrastructure, it bridges tradition with transformation.