A tourist reception centre built in Anandpur Sahib for Rs 6 crore has been lying unused and locked for over six months. It was made to welcome Sikh pilgrims and tourists visiting nearby places like the historic Anandpur Sahib and the Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh. The centre was meant to offer help, food, and shopping to travellers, but today it stands empty.

Located on the Anandpur Sahib-Ropar highway near the bus stand, the centre has modern facilities, including a cafeteria, gift shops, and office space. However, it has failed to attract private companies to run it. The district administration floated tenders three times but received no bids.

Ropar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia said they have now suggested setting up a public library in the building. The hope is that the library will attract visitors, which could also benefit the cafeteria and shops.

Anandpur Sahib is an important religious site for Sikhs and sees huge crowds during major festivals. Nearby Naina Devi temple also attracts many Hindu devotees. Locals and officials hope that with the upcoming martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur in November, the centre will finally be put to use.

For now, the centre remains a symbol of poor planning and missed opportunities in promoting religious tourism.