Impact of Accessibility on Amritsar's Urban Structure

Impact of Accessibility on Urban Structure of Amritsar City 2012
CHAPTER – III
PHYSICAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND TRANSPORTATION

PROFILE OF AMRITSAR
3.0. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

This chapter discusses the location and regional settings, historical profile,
physical growth, land use features, population characteristics, economic
profile, industrial and commercial characteristics and transportation
characteristics to get familiarized with the case study city.
3.1. LOCATION AND REGIONAL SETTINGS
Situated at 31o-37‟ North and 74o-55‟ East, the city is located at about 450
kilometers from the National Capital „Delhi‟ in its South and is developed
along the Grand Trunk Road (NH-1). It is situated 217 kilometers northwest
of state capital Chandigarh and is 32 kilometers east of Lahore, Pakistan
(refer annexure I – 1.7).104 Before independence, the city commanded the
position of a „regional centre‟ in the North-Eastern India. It was the biggest
centre of trade and commerce to serve the present Punjab, Himachal
Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Lahore. But the city lost its
central position after independence and transformed into a border town
only, located about 27 kilometers from Indo-Pak international border. The
locational change gave a setback to its economy, population growth and
other socio-cultural characteristics. Population of its urban agglomeration
has been 11.84 lakh as per 2011 census. It has high connectivity to other
part of the state and country through National Highways, State Highways &
Other District Roads and broad gauge railway line leading to National
Capital.
104 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amritsar#Geography_and_climate
Page | 100
3.2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Amritsar, popularly known as city of Gurus, is an important city in north of

the country. Literarily meaning the „Pool of Nectar‟, the city has a history of
more than four centuries and is globally popular for “Golden Temple” and
“Jalianwala Bagh”. It
symbolizes the spiritual
heritage of the people of
Punjab. The city derived its
name from the sacred tank
in which stands the “Golden
Temple” and around which
it grew from a small
settlement founded by the Golden Temple
Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das ji, in 1572 to its present size [Marwaha,
1974].105 Originally, the Guru established the settlement named „Ram Dass
Pura‟, which is later known as „Guru-Ka-Chak‟ as well, with a view to
establish a permanent religious centre for congregation of his disciplines.
The city is also known as „Religious Capital‟ of Sikhs. The excavation of the
sacred tank was started in 1574 A.D., which was completed by Guru Arjan
Dev who built the temple in the centre of the sacred tank in 1583 A.D. 106
Starting from a meager 500 bighas of land in 1574, the city has developed
in 136 square kilometer area as per 2011 census. Amritsar is the second
largest city of the Punjab which is playing multi-functional role including that
of politico-religious capital being the important centre of Sikh religion.
Grand Trunk Road and broad gauge railway line divide the city into two
parts. These routes make Amritsar „Gateway to India” for the travellers
coming on the overland route through Pakistan. These routes act as
105 Marwaha, Surinder (1974), Landuse planning and traffic and transportation
planning are two facets of the same problem – case study, Amritsar, Unpublished
Thesis, Guru Ramdas School of Planning, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
106 Ibid
Page | 101
important international trade links between India and Pakistan and further
north-west.
3.3. PHYSICAL GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS
Amritsar city, developed during the medieval period, has passed through
various phases of development, reflecting the physiographic, socio-
economic, cultural and movement characteristics. Overall development
presents a haphazardly grown city during the past four centuries. The old
part of the city i.e., the Walled City, presents compact but mixed type of
development and sporadic growth on the outskirts give a completely
contrasting urban design. Confused landuse pattern, defective circulation
system and traffic bottlenecks have been some of the salient
characteristics of city‟s growth. The city has grown around different nodes
and lines. Major lines of movement, commercial areas, religious sites, and
institutional areas have been the key concerns for the population to settle
along or around them. Accordingly, distribution of population in different
parts/ directions of the city reflect an unpalatable structure of the city.
Physical growth of the city can broadly be classified into five periods viz;
3.3.a. Growth Upto 1628
Execution of the holy tank in 1577, initiated by Guru Ramdas ji, and
erection of Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in 1589 were the landmark
nodes to act as growth foci for growth and expansion of the Holy City.
Subsequently, Akal Takhat and construction of Lohgarh Fort acted as
centripetal force for the concentration of population. The growth of the
settlement was, however, sluggish till 1628. Roads converging to Golden
Temple were the main accesses forming the road network of the city.
Amritsar was not more than a large hamlet performing primarily the
religious function. The slow pace of the growth was attributed to wide
spread conditions of political instability arising out of confrontations
between the locals and the invaders i.e. Sikhs and Mughals [Singh,
Page | 102
2006].107 However, the city was developing as a small but compact

settlement around the Golden Temple (refer figure 3.1).
Figure 3.1: Amritsar Upto 1628
3.3.b. Growth Between 1628-1800
In the ensuing two centuries, Amritsar went through tremendous upheavals

and convulsions. It went through a lot of havoc brought by Afgan invaders,
particularly Ahmed Shah Abdali and his son prince Timuer [Marwaha,
1974].108 However, with the decline of Mughal predominance and
emergence of Sikh Misls (Confedracies) around 1765, an upsurge in
physical growth could be witnessed. But development concentrated around
the central nucleus i.e. the Golden Temple. The Chiefs of various Misls
established their independent strongholds in the form of forts with road
accesses to the Temple. Simultaneously, small principalities, known as
Katras, developed around the Temple Complex comprising of the
residences of Misls Chiefs (Havelis) alongwith traders in addition to linear
bazars spread organically along the main access routes to the Temple.
Thus, Amritsar started emerging as a commercial centre of significance
between 1600 to 1800 (refer figure 3.2).
107 Singh, Sarup (2006), Development strategy for amritsar city, seminar proceedings
th
of 54 NTCP Congress, Institute of Town Planners India, New Delhi, 14-16
January.
Page | 103
Figure 3.2: Amritsar during 1628-1800
The lateral growth assumed more or less concentric pattern with the
Temple remaining the predominant node [Singh, 2006].109 However, the
development was unorganized and a zigzag road network pattern
emerged. As walking was the predominant mode of travel, therefore, roads
were narrow having sharp cuts and dead ends.
3.3.c. Amritsar Between 1800-1947
In 1804 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh reigned control of the city and it
witnessed accelerated growth demographically and economically. Many
new Katras got developed to accommodate the spurt. Amritsar started
displaying a strange blend of elegance and impoverishment in its spatial
manifestations. The elegance and grandeur visible in the residences of rich
was further enhanced by the construction of massive wall with twelve gates
and two moats around the settlement in 1823, the majestic summer palace
in Rambagh and the Gobindgarh Fort. The wall contained the city, due to
which the city started expanding vertically (double to triple storied) rather
th
January.
Page | 104
than horizontally to accommodate the growing population, resulting in traffic

strangulation in narrow, crooked lanes and bazaars [Marwaha, 1974].110
Britishers further consolidated the geo-strategic position of the city by

developing road and rail networks for stimulating the growth in the city.
They established Amritsar Cantonment in 1849 and the city got its
municipal status in 1868 with the establishment of Municipal Committee for
performing the civic functions. Soon later the city attained the status of
being the District Headquarter with the establishment of District Court. The
development could, thus, be reckoned as ribbon pattern of growth
concentrating along the access ways in different directions in a disjointed
manner. The multi-faceted development started taking place as a
consequence of added functions and dimensions in the city. Accordingly,
the city developed inside as well as outside the Walled city. In addition, the
massive city wall being in shambles was reconstructed fourteen feet high
with fourteen gates. The wall and the gates now stand in-between the inner
and outer circular roads after the conversion of inner and outer moats
respectively. The Britishers in the meantime extended the Multan-Lahore
rail link to Amritsar in 1859, to Delhi in 1864 and to Pathankot in 1883.
These extended communication links facilitated unprecedented boost for
the expansion of the city lineally in every direction outside the Walled City
(refer figure 3.3) [Singh, 2006].111 Many residential developments came up
to inhabit the increased population. Many educational institutions, banks,
hospitals were established apart from expansion of trade and commerce
and development of industries in the western side of the city.
th
January.
Page | 105
Figure 3.3: Amritsar between 1800-1947
Therefore, the development was concentrated within or immediately

outside the Walled City in the north and western side of the city. The
growth was mainly due to establishment of the wholesale commercial
establishments. The development was compact but unorganized, the roads
were narrow and zigzag. Development outside the Walled City was
planned and unplanned in nature. The development was semi-compact
with narrow access roads/streets.
3.3.d. Growth Between 1947 and 1995
The post independence era can be identified as a period for rebuilding,

redevelopment and reorganization of the city and its administration. Many
areas in the Walled City of Amritsar got burnt in 1947 riots. Therefore,
many redevelopment schemes were undertaken to rebuild such areas.
Henceforth, such areas were built on modern spatial planning principles
with wider straight roads/streets and regular sized plots. Densities in these
areas were, though, low. But in the remaining parts of Walled City the
development remained more or less the same, presenting a picture of
organic growth. However, the city witnessed faster growth and the open
Page | 106
areas (gardens) got converted into buildings. The commercial areas

expanded horizontally and vertically along the major approaches within the
Walled City to serve the shopping needs of the increasing population. But
hardly any real effort was made from the administration to control such
unplanned and unorganized development.
The increasing population found the spaces outside the Walled City
suitable for habitation in the wake of denser development inside the Walled
City. Therefore, many new residential areas got developed, primarily along
the main arterial routes of the city (refer figure 3.4). Establishment of
Municipal Corporation in 1976 gave a fillip to the city by combining three
municipalities viz., Amritsar, Chheharta and Ajnala. The combined
population of the Municipal Corporation led to increased demand for
commercial, educational, medical and institutional areas. Hence, Lawrence
road, Putligarh, Chheharta, Ranjit Avenue District Centre, Bhagtanwala
Mandi, Guru Nanak Dev University, Guru Nanak Hospital, and many other
Figure 3.4: Amritsar Between 1947 to 1995
Page | 107
nodes developed, which acted as growth foci for further development of the
city.
Amritsar Improvement Trust and Housing Board, Punjab undertook many

development schemes, both residential and commercial, which gave birth
to planned development in the city. But these developments came up in
patches without a touch to compact growth. Except for Ranjit Avenue
District Centre, the commercial nodes grew organically along the main lines
of accesses. Organic growth of industrial establishments along Pathankot
Road and development of industrial node in Chheharta area established to
important work areas resulting in congregated development along and
around these nodes. Thus, the city experienced development all along its
main accesses.
Though the residential development was largely compact but the overall
city growth was still far from compactness. Therefore, redevelopment of the
old areas and development of planned new colonies by Improvement Trust
were the main characteristics of physical development. Development was
primarily due to the establishment of industries and educational institutions.
The development of new residential colonies was well facilitated by wider

roads. But the overall development lacked planned comprehensive efforts.
Isolated efforts were made to plan the neighbourhoods. The development
during the period was sporadic with densities on the lower sides.
3.3.e. Growth Between 1995-2011
Amritsar witnessed a fillip in real estate market after the adoption of

liberalization policies by the Government of India. Both private and public
sector agencies brought many developmental projects in the city. Many
authorized or unauthorized new residential areas came up on the outskirts
and suburban areas of the city (refer figure 3.5).
Page | 108
Figure 3.5: Amritsar Between 1995 to 2011
With the establishment of Amritsar Development Authority in 1995

developers brought up planned and PUDA approved residential
developments. Even Amritsar Improvement Trust came up with New
Amritsar Scheme in the periphery of the city along the G. T. Road. Thus,
city grew very fast, which led to conversion of agricultural land into urban
developments. But the conversion was speculative in nature. The
development has been scanty and sporadic.
Thus, a small hamlet, originally established as a seat of sikh religion, has

developed as an important centre of trade, commerce and industries. The
city presents a mix of planned and unplanned development. Largely, the
development has been organic by nature but since last two decades many
planned development schemes, private as well as public sector, have come
up, which has given a complete fillip to the city. The city presents compact
development, however, spartial pattern of development exists on the
peripheries of the city. Overall, the city presents haphazard growth and
unplanned distribution of different landuses.
Page | 109
The physical growth of the city reveals that the city has spread almost in all
directions and economic activities are distributed all over the city except
towards west due to presence of international border. The city is largely
governed by organic development. The existing land use of Amritsar City
has mixed type of development. However, the Walled City is the epicenter
of economic activities apart from 3-4 more activity centres of the lower
order. The city has grown in a concentric manner having polycentric
structure. But FARs, densities, land prices, etc. are varying within these
rings in size in different directions as well. Thus, qualitative and quantitative
aspects of land use and their spatial relationship are the principal factors of
trip generation and attraction. Areas along G.T. road and Walled City are
the two important activity areas that attract more traffic.
3.4. DEVELOPED AREA AND LANDUSE CHARACTERISTICS
Amritsar has passed through different facets of spatial development, which

has resulted in organic distribution of different activities. An account of
spatial growth of the city reflects the area developed under different land
uses. From the data available on developed area in Amritsar from 1971 to
2010, it is evident that over the past four decades the developed area of
the city has grown by more than double (2.69 times) (refer table 3.1). More
than 2400 hectares of land got developed during 1971-91, which increased
by more than 2800 hectares between 1991-2010. Residential development
doubled in 1971-91 whereas it increased by about 1640 hectares during
1991-2010.
The growth trends reveal the pace of development to accommodate the

increasing population over different decades. Impact of spatial growth is
clearly visible in the growth of almost all landuses, which is reflected by
about four folds increment in residential landuse and about five times
increment in commercial use (refer table 3.1). It is clear from table 3.1 that
Page | 110
Table 3.1: Distribution of Developed Area in Amritsar City, 1971-2010

(Area in Hectares)
Land Use 1971 1987 1991 2001 2010
Residential 1309.17 1810.60 2671.87 3659.48 4311.56
(42.30) (46.65) (48.42) (44.00) (51.73)
Commercial 70.01 197.67 207.91 251.90 393.22
(2.26) (5.09) (3.77) (3.03) (4.72)
Industrial 306.76 444.54 494.79 548.77 445.73
(9.91) (11.45) (8.98) (6.60) (5.35)
Transportation 416.02 436.23 722.69 956.60 1388.67
(13.44) (11.24) (13.11) (11.50) (16.66)
Public/Semi Public 489.27 452.45 482.51 560.16 738.22
(15.81) (11.66) (8.74) (6.73) (8.86)
Recreational 62.73 61.50 61.47 61.47 124.89
(2.03) (1.58) (1.11) (0.74) (1.50)
Government 441.11 477.73 876.03 2280.05 931.76
(14.25) (12.31) (15.87) (27.41) (11.18)
Total Developed 3095.07 3880.91 5517.67 8317.54 8334.05
(100.00) (100.00) (100.00) (100.00) (100.00)
Source: Office of District Town Planner, Amritsar and Draft Master Plan Amritsar
2010-31
area under residential use has been growing at an incremental pace over
the past four decades. Area under transportation has increased in equal
proportion i.e. by about four times. Though different landuses are
increasing by almost the same proportions, but they fall short of norms and
standards by which they should be present in an urban settlement. Thus,
the spatial growth is appropriately supported by the required infrastructure,
though the pattern of distribution may be lopsided at places.
Distribution of landuses reveal that city‟s industrial and commercial

establishments have developed along major roads (refer map 3.1). Infact,
they establish the economic activity nodes, which result in movements from
the residential areas. Survey conducted for concentration and type of
commercial establishments reveal that part of Walled City acts as central
business district whereas Ranjit Avenue is the planned district centre.
There are some organically developed areas that have emerged as popular
commercial areas meeting the community level commercial requirements
of the inhabitants of the city.
Page | 111
Map 3.1: Existing Land Use of Amritsar City, 2010
Page | 112
Development of different landuses presents a picture of unpalatable

distribution pattern. The physical growth of the city reveals that the city has
spread almost in all directions and economic activities are distributed all
over the city except towards west due to border. The city is largely
governed by organic development. The existing land use of the City
presents mixed type of development. However, the Walled City is the
epicenter of economic activities apart from 3-4 more activity centres of the
lower order. The city has grown in a concentric manner having multi nuclei
of activities. But FARs, densities, land prices, etc. are varying within these
rings as well. Thus, qualitative and quantitative aspects of land use and
their spatial relationship are the principle factors of trip generation and
attraction. Areas along Grand Trunk road and Walled City are the two
important activity areas that attract more traffic.
3.5. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Amritsar is an important city since its origin. Being the prime seat of sikh
religion, regional trade centre and located on the most important trade
route, the city has been a popular place for population concentration. The
first census conducted in the city in 1855 recorded 0.11 million persons
inhabiting in it. It was the largest city of the then Punjab. Till 1891 its
population grew to 0.14 million revealing slow pace of population growth.
However, in 1901 it registered population of 0.16 million persons, which
increased to more than double in 1941 (refer table 3.2). But the population
of the city fell marginally in 1951 due to partition of the country which
impacted the city adversely, as few residents migrated to Pakistan.
During 1901-1921 population of the city did not grow as it remained about
0.16 million. But ever since then Amritsar has been a vibrant city. It has
been witnessing incremental increase in its population, especially after
independence. During 1951-1971, the city witnessed an increase of about
Page | 113
0.05 million persons each decade. From 1971 onwards the city has
registered a steep rise in its population (refer figure 3.6).
Table No. 3.2: Population Growth of Amritsar City (1901-2011)

Year Total Decadal
Population Variation
(in Million) (in Percent)
1901 0.16 ---
1911 0.15 -5.96
1921 0.16 4.88
1931 0.24 52.82
1941 0.39 59.78
1951 0.34 -14.08
1961 0.39 16.05
1971 0.45 16.60
1981 0.59 30.79
1991 0.71 19.16
2001 1.00 41.63
2011 1.13 12.83
Source: Census of India Reports
Figure 3.6: Population Growth of Amritsar City
As a result of establishment of Amritsar Municipal Corporation followed by

reorganization of space, city‟s population increased by about 0.14 million
i.e. from a barely 0.45 million persons in 1971 it increased to about 0.59
Page | 114
million persons in 1981. Migration from villages due to terroristic

disturbance led to exponential increase in population residing in Amritsar
city limits. Its population increased by about 0.12 million during 1981-91
(refer table 3.1 and figure 3.6).
The urban population rose at an alarming rate due to liberalization policies

and establishment of Amritsar Development Authority in 1996. City‟s
population rose by about 0.29 million during 1991-2001, the highest
increment since the origin of the holy city. In 2001, it became the second
metropolis of Punjab State. Currently, Amritsar inhabits 1.13 million
persons within its city limits. It is the second largest city in the State.
Accordingly, Amritsar ranked 33rd in the list of 35 metropolises112 in India
in 2001.
Though Amritsar has registered high strides in its population increase, but
its growth profile has been quite oscillating for more than one century. It
recorded the highest growth rate in 1921-31 and 1931-41 decades when its
population grew at a rate of 52.82 percent and 59.78 percent respectively.
Later after a fall in its growth rate during 1941-51, it grew at a constant
pace of about 16 percent during next two decades (refer figure 3.7).
Figure 3.7: Growth of Population of Amritsar City
112 ITPI (2006), Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (2006): Spatial
Planning Implications, Seminar Proceedings, 54 National Town and Country
Planners Congress, Institute of Town Planners India, New Delhi, January 14-16.
Page | 115
Establishment of Municipal Corporation in 1976 and Amritsar Development

Authority in 1996 gave a boost to its population growth when its population
registered growth rate of about 31 and 42 percent in 1971-81 and 1991-
2001 respectively. Otherwise its population grew by about 19 percent and
13 percent in 1981-91 and 2001-11 respectively. Thus, Amritsar city has
grown in leaps and bounds since its origin but its growth has not been very
smooth and steady.
Moreover, the inclusion of the Amritsar in the list of 60 cities included for
urban renewal and integrated development under the “Jawaharlal Nehru
National Urban Renewal Mission” [ITPI, 2006]113, the likelihood of
establishment of “Special Economic Zone” in Amritsar and its designation
as the World Heritage City give stimulus to multi-faceted growth and
development of the city.
3.6. ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
Amritsar has remained a hub of economic activities since its origin. It has
acted as a regional centre of trade and commerce for undivided Punjab.
Even presently, it is a designated centre of trade and commerce serving a
larger region covering its surrounding states. It is an important city for the
processing of textile products.
As per 2001 census, Amritsar city is designated as industrial cum trade &
Commerce city. The overall work force participation ratio (ratio of total
workers to total population) for the city stands at 32.37 percent, which is
less than the district and state figures of 35.39 percent and 37.5 percent
respectively (refer table 3.3).
113 ITPI (2006), Jawaharlal Nehru national urban renewal mission (2006): spatial
planning implications, Seminar Proceedings, 54 National Town and Country
Planners Congress, Institute of Town Planners India, New Delhi, January 14-16.
Page | 116
Table 3.3: Classification of Main Workers in Amritsar City

Classification NIC Type of Worker 1991 2001
No. Code
Number %age Number %age
of of
Workers Workers
(I) PRIMARY
1 A & B Cultivators 4603 2.16 3004 0.97
2 Agricultural Laborers 12405 5.81 6213 2.02
3 Plantation, Livestock, 1398 0.65 3023 0.98
Forestry, Fishing,
Hunting and Allied
Activities
4 C Mining and Quarrying 9 0.00 212 0.07
(II) SECONDARY
5 (a) D Manufacturing 483 0.23 12317 4.00
Processing and
Repairs Industry
(Household Industry)
5 (b) Manufacturing 60678 28.43 67632 21.94
Processing and
Repairs Industry (Other
than Household
Industry)
E Electricity, Gas and ------ ------ 3592 1.17
Water Supply
6 F Construction 6957 3.26 20989 6.81
(III) TERTIARY
7 G Wholesale and Retail 64730 30.32 79033 25.64
Trade
H Hotels and Restaurants 4073 1.32
8 I Transport, Storage and 15903 7.45 24595 7.98
Communication
9 J & K Financial 46293 21.69 19814 6.43
Intermediation; Real
Estate Renting and
Business Activities
L to Public Administration ------ ------ 63700 20.67
Q and Defense;
Compulsory Social
Security; Education;
Health and Social
Work; Other
Community, Social and
Other Community,
Social and Personal
Service Activities;
Private Households
with Employed
Persons; Extra-
Territorial
Organizations and
Bodies
Source: Government of Punjab (2010), Draft Master Plan for Amritsar, 2010-31, Govt. of
Punjab, Punjab (India)
Page | 117
About 96 percent of the workers of Amritsar city are engaged in secondary

and tertiary activities in 2001. It is evident from table 3.2 that 62 percent of
the work force is engaged in tertiary sector as compared to 34 percent of
the total work force engaged in secondary sector activities.
As compared to 1991 census the city‟s workforce in secondary and tertiary

sectors has increased in 2001. Data reveals that it has increased by 2
percent in secondary sector and about 3 percent in tertiary sector. But
there has been fall in the manufacturing (other than household) and
wholesale sectors by about 7 percent and 5 percent respectively. Thus,
city‟s economy has increased in the industrial and trade & commerce
sectors.
Amritsar has also established its mark in tourism industry as a result of

exponential increase in number of tourists visiting Golden Temple and
other historical sites such as Ram Tirath, Wagah Border etc. The city has
witnessed boom in hotel and restaurant industry.
3.7. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Amritsar is a renowned industrial centre for woolen tweeds, suiting‟s,

blankets, shawls, etc. within India and overseas. About 69 percent of the
district‟s small scale industries (SSI) are located in Amritsar city employing
approximately 71 percent of the workers engaged in SSI units. Nearly 61.5
percent of the medium and large scale units are located within the city
[Government of Punjab, 2010].114 Industrial units are scattered in all the
directions of the city (refer table 3.3).
Amritsar city has 68.96 percent (17,985 units) and 61.5 percent (8 units) of
small scale units and medium and large scale units of the district
respectively, providing employment to 70.77 percent of the industrial
114 Government of Punjab (2010), Draft master plan for Amritsar, 2010-31.
Page | 118
workforce of the district [Government of Punjab, 2010].115 Within Municipal

Corporation, Amritsar, three Industrial Focal Points have been developed
on 145.49 hectares of land. However, spatial distribution of industrial units
reveals that except industrial focal points, which are planned industrial
schemes, industries are scattered all along the major corridors of the city
(refer map 3.2).
Table 3.4: Major Industrial Locations in Amritsar City

Location of Industrial Points Direction Status
(Hectare)
Focal Point, along Vallah Road – Mixed (Engineering, North Planned
Textile, etc.) (38.06)
Focal Point Extension, along Vallah Road – Mixed North Planned
(Engineering, Textile, etc.) (32.95)
New Focal Point along Mehta Road North Planned
(74.48)
Industries in East Mohan Nagar East Planned
Along G.T Road towards Amritsar Engineering College East Unplanned
Putlighar, Islamabad – Textile Centre Unplanned
Chheharta Industrial Area, G.T. Road, towards Attari – West Planned
Textile (9.43)
Verka Industrial Area, along Batala Road – Textile North Unplanned
Majitha Road – Textile North Unplanned
West
Batala Road – Textile North Unplanned
Industrial Units along Tarn Taran Road South Unplanned
Source: District Industrial Centre, Amritsar
Amritsar has been an important regional market centre for agricultural

implements, woolen products, spices, dry fruits and tea and is leading
exporter of these goods especially to Middle East. Amritsar is a well known
destination for woolen tweeds, suiting‟s, blankets, shawls in traditional
weaves, ivory (now plastic) inlay furniture, swords of all designs, oils,
scents, jutties (traditional embroidered shoes), cut-glass crockery, selective
musical instruments, carpets, pickles, papad, warian, etc.
Amritsar has strengthened its economic base as second largest

commercial city of Punjab. It has conventional specialized bazaars in the
Walled City, organically grown commercial establishments along its major
Page | 119
Map 3.2: Location of Industries in Amritsar
Page | 120
roads and District Shopping Complex at B Block, Ranjit Avenue (refer map
3.3).
In addition to these traditional markets and those provided under various

schemes, city has large number of informal markets. The genesis of these
informal markets has its origin in the large number of tourists and visitors
coming to the city daily. Most of these informal markets are located around
major traffic nodes including railway station, bus stand and places of tourist
interest and religious centres to supplement the commercial requirements
of people [Government of Punjab, 2010].116
Apart from the conventional specialized bazar system developed along the
major roads, planned shopping complexes, shopping malls and multiplexes
serve the shopping needs of the inhabitants of the city. Large scale change
of land use from residential to commercial has converted many houses into
shopping complexes and malls along the major arterials of the city. Mixed
land use (residential cum commercial) has been the main character of
major commercial hubs of Amritsar. Some of the important specialized
bazaars existing in the city are listed in table 3.5.
3.8. TRANSPORTATION CHARACTERISTICS
3.8.a. Road Network Characteristics
Road network of Amritsar is semi-ring and radial pattern. The roads

converging to the centre from its municipal limits form the major radial
network of the city. Eleven radial roads, one bye pass in the north and
circular road around Walled City define the major road network of the city
(refer figure 3.8). Ram Tirath Road, Ajnala Road, Loharka Road, Fatehgarh
Churian Road, Majitha Road, Batala Road, Sri Hargobindpur Road, G.T.
Page | 121
Map 3.3: Location of Commercial Area in Amritsar
Page | 122
Table 3.5: Major Commercial Areas in Amritsar City

Name of Market Type of Goods Available Wholesale/Retail/Both
Guru Bazaar Gold Jewellery Both
Bazaar Kesarian Steel and Brass Utensils Retail
Katra Kathian Papads, Warian, Murabbas, Both
Pickles
Mishri Bazaar Dry Fruits Wholesale
Churi Bazaar Glass Bangles Wholesale
Katra Jaimal Singh Clothes/Garments and Shoes Both
Partap Bazaar Clothes/Wholesale Both
Readymade Garments
Shastri Market Woolen (Blankets, Shawls, Wholesale
etc.)
Katra Ahluwalia Clothes Wholesale
Bazaar Mai Sewan Stationery Wholesale
Hall Bazaar Electronics and Books Both
Majith Mandi Dry Fruits and Spices Wholesale
Dal Mandi Pulses and Spices Wholesale
Dhab Basti Ram Soaps Wholesale
Katra Sher Singh Medicines Wholesale
Fish Market Fish Wholesale
Pink Plaza Garments Retail
IDH Market Multipurpose Both
(Behind Bus Stand)
Lawrence Road Garments and Restaurants Retail
Queens Road Car Dealers, Hotels, Retail
Restaurants
Court Road Car Dealers Retails
Madan Mohan Malviya Readymade Garments Retail
Road
Celebration Mall (Batala Multipurpose (Multiplex)
Road)
Mall Road (Malls) Jewellery, Restaurant Retail
Putligarh Multipurpose Retail
Chheharta Multipurpose Retail
Alpha Malls (G. T. Multipurpose (Multiplex) Retail
Road)
Source: Government of Punjab (2010), Draft Master Plan for Amritsar, 2010-31, Govt. of
Punjab, Punjab (India)
Page | 123
Figure 3.8: Major Road Network of Amritsar
Page | 124
Road towards Jalandhar, Tarn Taran Road, Jhabal Road and Attari Road
constitute the arterial road network of the city. Grand Trunk Road (G. T.
Road) acts as the central spine of the city, which divides the city into tw
parts. Apart from these arterials, Outer Circular Road, Mall Road, Lawrence
Road, Queens Road, Tailor Road, Circular Road, 100 feet Road,
Islamabad Road, Lohgarh Road, Hathi Gate Road, Ram Bagh Road,
Sultanwind Road, are some of the second order (sub-arterial) roads
connecting the arterial road network of the city. Arterial and sub-arterial
road network connects several important places of the city.
As the city has its origin in medieval era, its circulation system also
represents that time. The origin point of the city i.e. the Walled City, is
bounded by a circular road and the streets within it are narrow and
zigzagging because the then city has been built on hoof-foot scale. There
are 2 National Highways, 3 State Highways, 3 Major District Roads and 1
Other District Road passing through the city providing stronger linkages to
its region and other settlements.
The length of the major arterial roads and sub-arterial roads is 175.01 kms.
The arterial road in Amritsar constitutes about 60 percent of the primary
road network of the city. Bypass alone accounts for around 10 percent of
the total of the road network [RITES, 1997].117
Out of the total length of the road network i.e., 175.01 Kms. of Amritsar city
(refer table 3.6), arterial network forms 55.93 percent i.e., 97.87 Kms.
These arterial roads are G.T. Road, Tarn Taran Road, Khemkaran Road,
Ram Tirath Road, Ajnala Road, Fatehgarh Churian Road, Majitha Road,
Pathankot Road, Sri Hargobindpur Road. The sub arterial road network
117 RITES (1997), Comprehensive traffic & transportation study, draft final report,
Municipal Corporation, Amritsar.
Page | 125
forms 30.94 percent of the total road length i.e., (54.14 Kms), these roads
are Lawrence Road, Mall Road Circular Road and Outer Circular Road.
Table 3.6: Hierarchy of Roads in Amritsar

Road Hierarchy Length(Kms.) Percentage
Arterial network 97.87 55.93
Sub-arterial network 54.14 30.94
Bypass 23.00 13.14
Total 175.01 100.00
Source: RITES (1998), Comprehensive Traffic & Transportation
Study, Final Report, Municipal Corporation, Amritsar.
Bypass constitutes almost 13.14 percent (23 Kms.) of the total road length.
This highlights that more attention is given to the traffic which enter/exists
the city and circulates within the city.
About 26% of the road network has right of way more than 40 meters, 10%
between 30-40 meters, 60% between 10-30 meters and 4% upto 25
meters. About 63% length of city's major roads is 2 lanes, 9% has four lane
undivided carriageway, 5% has six lane divided carriageway and 28% has
four to six lane carriageway. The network characteristics reveal that the
roads of the city are under stress and pressure. A small proportion of land
devoted to circulation (9%) serves 91% of the developed surface. The
primary roads are narrow and there is hardly any chance of capacity
augmentation of these roads through road widening [RITES, 1997].118
3.8.b. Traffic Characteristics
City had 4.88 lakh vehicles in 2003-04, which grew to 6.25 lakhs in 2007-
08. Thus, the vehicles have grown by about 28.percent during 2003-2008.
In other words, the number of vehicles has increased on an average 6.5
percent per annum in the city [Government of Punjab, 2010].119 Number of
auto-rickshaws has grown from 12149 in 2003-04 to 15176 in 2007-08,
118 RITES (1997), Comprehensive traffic & transportation study, draft final report,
Municipal Corporation, Amritsar.
Page | 126
registering growth rate of 24.92 percent during 2003-2008. In 2007-08 they

constituted 25 percent share in the total number of vehicles in 2007-08,
showing mushrooming trends on city roads.
Most of the travel demand (about 74%) is met by private modes whereas
cycle rickshaws and three wheelers meet about 13% and 6% travel needs
respectively.
Segments of G.T. Road, Circular Road around Walled City, Hall Bazar,
Pathankot Road and Majitha Road are over utilised. Volume-Capacity Ratio
is more than 0.8. Putligarh, Railway Station, Crystal, Bhandari Bridge,
Hussainpura, Hall Gate, Ram Bagh, Chatiwind Gate are the most critical
intersections as they have over-shot their saturation capacities. They need
geometric improvements and proper controls to ensure a smooth flow of
traffic and pedestrian safety.
Average speed on main roads of the city varies between 10-40 KMPH
leading to more journey time or man hours lost. The observed speeds
along the G.T. road it vary between 30-40 km/h while the speeds in and
around the walled city are of the order of 10 km/h.
On street parking in the main commercial areas is a real cause of worry

because of unplanned land use transformation and intensification. About
70% of the parking demand is short term but parking demand is so high
during peak hours that haphazard multi-lane on-street parking is a common
phenomenon, which reduces the effective road width and hampers smooth
movement of traffic. Hall Bazar, Katra Jaimal Singh, Lawrence Road, etc.
are the most critical stretches in the city.
3.9. MASTER PLAN AMRITSAR, 2010-2031
Master Plan for Amritsar has been approved by Punjab Government

recently. It has proposed various land uses for the city. But no such
Page | 127
scientific model has been applied to the allocations and locations of land
uses. Accessibility, which is one of the most basic requirements of the
inhabitants, has not been touched even. Keeping note of the traffic
problems, which are more of observation based, solutions have been
suggested. However, it proposes to improve the existing road conditions by
improving the geometry of major roads and junctions. Few flyovers and rail
over bridges have been proposed. Though not directly depicted but
indirectly these proposals will improve the accessibility levels in different
parts of the city. As mass public transport has been absent in the city and
private vehicles along with mushrooming autorickshaws have reduced the
service accessibility in the city. Proposals have been drawn to introduce
bus rapid transit service on all the major radials of the city. If the proposals
are executed then accessibility levels in the city are expected to improve
significantly.
3.10. SUMMARY
Profile of Amritsar helps in visualizing the physical, land use, demographic,

economic and transportation image of the city. This will establish a base to
draw conclusions from various parameters of accessibility and urban
structure. It is clear from the profile of the city that it is an medieval city,
which is largely organically developed and has zigzagging roads in the
Walled City and unplanned city road network structure. Different areas
have different balances of road network. Master Plan proposal are
expected to improve the accessibility levels in different parts of the city.
********************
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Impact of Accessibility on Amritsar's Urban Structure

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Impact of Accessibility on Urban Structure of Amritsar City 2012

PHYSICAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND TRANSPORTATION

3.0. OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

3.1. LOCATION AND REGIONAL SETTINGS

3.2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Amritsar, popularly known as city of Gurus, is an important city in north of

3.3. PHYSICAL GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS

3.3.a. Growth Upto 1628

2006].107 However, the city was developing as a small but compact

Figure 3.1: Amritsar Upto 1628

3.3.b. Growth Between 1628-1800

In the ensuing two centuries, Amritsar went through tremendous upheavals

Figure 3.2: Amritsar during 1628-1800

3.3.c. Amritsar Between 1800-1947

than horizontally to accommodate the growing population, resulting in traffic

Britishers further consolidated the geo-strategic position of the city by

Figure 3.3: Amritsar between 1800-1947

Therefore, the development was concentrated within or immediately

3.3.d. Growth Between 1947 and 1995

The post independence era can be identified as a period for rebuilding,

areas (gardens) got converted into buildings. The commercial areas

Figure 3.4: Amritsar Between 1947 to 1995

Amritsar Improvement Trust and Housing Board, Punjab undertook many

The development of new residential colonies was well facilitated by wider

3.3.e. Growth Between 1995-2011

Amritsar witnessed a fillip in real estate market after the adoption of

Figure 3.5: Amritsar Between 1995 to 2011

With the establishment of Amritsar Development Authority in 1995

Thus, a small hamlet, originally established as a seat of sikh religion, has

3.4. DEVELOPED AREA AND LANDUSE CHARACTERISTICS

Amritsar has passed through different facets of spatial development, which

The growth trends reveal the pace of development to accommodate the

Table 3.1: Distribution of Developed Area in Amritsar City, 1971-2010

Distribution of landuses reveal that city‟s industrial and commercial

Map 3.1: Existing Land Use of Amritsar City, 2010

Development of different landuses presents a picture of unpalatable

3.5. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS

Table No. 3.2: Population Growth of Amritsar City (1901-2011)

Figure 3.6: Population Growth of Amritsar City

As a result of establishment of Amritsar Municipal Corporation followed by

million persons in 1981. Migration from villages due to terroristic

The urban population rose at an alarming rate due to liberalization policies

Figure 3.7: Growth of Population of Amritsar City

Establishment of Municipal Corporation in 1976 and Amritsar Development

3.6. ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Table 3.3: Classification of Main Workers in Amritsar City

About 96 percent of the workers of Amritsar city are engaged in secondary

As compared to 1991 census the city‟s workforce in secondary and tertiary

Amritsar has also established its mark in tourism industry as a result of

3.7. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Amritsar is a renowned industrial centre for woolen tweeds, suiting‟s,

workforce of the district [Government of Punjab, 2010].115 Within Municipal

Table 3.4: Major Industrial Locations in Amritsar City

Amritsar has been an important regional market centre for agricultural

Amritsar has strengthened its economic base as second largest

Map 3.2: Location of Industries in Amritsar

In addition to these traditional markets and those provided under various

3.8. TRANSPORTATION CHARACTERISTICS

3.8.a. Road Network Characteristics

Road network of Amritsar is semi-ring and radial pattern. The roads

Map 3.3: Location of Commercial Area in Amritsar

Table 3.5: Major Commercial Areas in Amritsar City

Figure 3.8: Major Road Network of Amritsar