Cruise comeback: Boats to sail on Sirhind canal in Ludhiana after 140 years

Time of India

12 hours ago

Doraha (Ludhiana): For Ludhiana, this is a deja-vu moment. After over a century, boats will sail down waters of the Sirhind Canal (combined branch). There will be no logs this time though and the boats will ply on a one-kilometre stretch of the canal's Bathinda branch in Ludhiana district.
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The initiative, led by the water resources department, marks the revival of navigation on the canal, as was the practice during the British era.
The department has awarded a contract to a private party to operate boating services and develop an adjoining amusement park near the old bridge, close to the beginning of the Sidhwan Canal. Executive engineer, water resources department (Ropar division) confirmed the development, saying that the canal stretch identified for boating spans approximately three kilometres, with the activity concentrated in the first kilometre.
"This is perhaps the first time since the 1880s that boating will be done in this canal. During the British era, boats were used for transporting wood logs, and the Doraha area even had a dedicated wood log market. This revival is part of Punjab's new tourism policy, which aims at attracting visitors and generating revenue," the officer said.
The initiative follows a similar project launched in Ropar around five months ago, which has reportedly received a positive response.
Inspired by that success, the Ludhiana district is now preparing to offer a unique recreational experience along the canal.
As part of the agreement, the private contractor has been granted a seven-year lease for both the boating area and the land designated for the amusement park. The annual lease fee for each is Rs 10 lakh, with a 10% increase every year. The contractor is also responsible for all development expenses, including landscaping, infrastructure, and safety measures.
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Work on the site is progressing rapidly. Landscaping has already been completed along the canal banks, and two boats were spotted parked at the location during a visit by TOI. A private employee working on the project said that three motorboats have been brought in and more may be added in future as there is no cap on the number of boats allowed.
"We've made most of the preparations. We're just waiting for final touches on the amusement park.
A test run for boating is expected in a day or two," he added.
The amusement park will feature fun activities for children, and a restaurant. Trained drivers will operate the motorboats, and safety protocols are being put in place to ensure secure rides for visitors.
While local residents have expressed excitement about the upcoming facility, they have also emphasised the importance of safety.
SBS Nagar resident Vivek Verma said, "It's great to see boating coming to our canal.
But authorities must ensure that safety is given top priority. Life jackets, trained staff, and emergency protocols should be mandatory."
In addition to the Doraha project, the water resources department has floated a tender for a similar boating initiative near Neelon Bridge, on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh National Highway. Although the tender has not yet matured, officials are optimistic about expanding boating activities across the region.
Another proposal is in the works for the Sidhwan Canal, from Brahman Majra village to the Lohara area. Officials confirmed that private parties will be invited to bid for this project as well, indicating a broader push to integrate canal-based tourism into the district's development plans.
The Sirhind Canal, constructed during the British era around 1882, was originally designed for irrigation and played a crucial role in supporting agriculture in Punjab's Malwa region.
The revival of boating on this historic waterway is being seen not just as a tourism initiative, but also as a nod to the canal's rich legacy.
Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura welcomed the development, stating, "This is the first time after the British era that boating is going to start in the canal. It will be a great source of amusement for people, and the work is progressing at a fast pace."
If successful, it could pave the way for similar ventures across Punjab, transforming its historic canals into vibrant hubs of leisure and tourism.
A milestone for Ludhiana
Unique initiative | Contract awarded to a private party by the water resources department for boating and amusement park development
Boating to take place near the Old Bridge, close to the start of the Sidhwan Canal
Historical revival | Boats were last used in the canal during the British era (circa 1880s) for wood log navigation
Tourism boost | Part of Punjab's new tourism policy to attract visitors and generate revenue
Lease details | 7-year lease for boating and amusement park; Rs 10 lakh annual fee for each, with a 10% yearly hike
Infrastructure | Landscaping completed; three motorboats already brought in; more may be added
Safety measures | Trained drivers and safety protocols planned; locals emphasise safety as a priority
Additional proposals | Boating tender floated near Neelon Bridge; plans underway for Sidhwan Canal stretch
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