About Ranjit Sagar Dam and Lake
Ranjit Sagar Dam and Lake, also known as Thein Dam, is a major hydroelectric and irrigation dam on the Ravi River at Shahpurkandi in Pathankot district, Punjab, near the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border. Completed in 2001 and named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it is one of India's largest earth-fill dams at 160 metres high. The vast reservoir lake is noted for its scenic Himalayan foothill setting, boating and island views.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large earth-fill dam structure on the Ravi River with a vast reservoir lake surrounded by low Himalayan foothills and forested slopes. The site offers panoramic viewpoints of the dam wall and reservoir, a lake area with islands, boating facilities, and landscaped garden areas. Access is controlled with security checks, and visitors can explore designated viewpoints, lakeside areas and photography points overlooking the water and hills.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the largest earth-fill dams in India, 160 metres high and 617 metres long
- 02
Vast reservoir lake on the Ravi River with scenic foothill and island views
- 03
600 MW hydroelectric power station
- 04
Boating on the reservoir lake
- 05
Panoramic viewpoints and landscaped gardens near the dam
History of Ranjit Sagar Dam and Lake
Construction started in 1982 and was completed in 2001. The dam was built by the Punjab Irrigation Department and is operated by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the 19th-century ruler of the Sikh Empire, it was conceived for hydroelectric power generation (4 x 150 MW), irrigation and flood control on the Ravi River. At completion it was among the highest earth-fill dams in India.
Culture & Context
Named in honour of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the dam is a significant modern engineering landmark for Punjab and the region, symbolizing post-independence water resource development on the Ravi River.
Route
| By air |
|---|