Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 31

The Attari-Wagah border joint check post (JCP) between India and Pakistan will soon see a welcome change.  Installed in 1947, the two countries have decided to replace their oversized gates and broad pillars for better viewing of the Retreat ceremony that draws crowds every day.The gates will be identical in design. Of course, the national flags and emblems will be different. Approved by Director Generals of both sides in New Delhi in October-November last year, the process to replace these gates has already begun on either side of the border. JS Oberoi, BSF DIG, said the new gate was expected to be installed by August 31. “Also, parallel pillars, their width reduced, will be raised for the benefit of the Retreat spectators, both in India and Pakistan,” he explained.Meanwhile, the new U-shaped gallery with an enhanced capacity (25,000 persons) coming up at a cost of Rs 33 crore is expected to be inaugurated in August. It will have a control room with CCTVs, an advanced sound system, a conference hall, medical room, lounges and adequate parking space. An added attraction will be a BSF museum.