PM Modi Launches Rs 4,700 Crore Projects in Chandigarh, Calls It Model of Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Chandigarh on Friday, termed the Union Territory a 'symbol of planned growth' and a 'benchmark for development'. He said Chandigarh has emerged as a model for the country, with its progress benefiting not only its residents but also people across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi unveiled development projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore for the city. Addressing a gathering at PEC Chandigarh, he highlighted Chandigarh's role as a regional healthcare hub and its transformation through smart city initiatives and infrastructure development.

'Chandigarh is not just a city, it has been a model of development for India. Chandigarh is known for its planned development, a better lifestyle, ease of living, better medical facilities… and along with all this Chandigarh's identity is the blessing of goddess Chandi,' Modi said.

Emphasising the city's regional significance, he said Chandigarh's development has a far-reaching impact beyond its geographical boundaries. He noted that before coming to Chandigarh, he was in Jind, Haryana, and afterwards he would head to Jalandhar for Punjab's development works. 'Chandigarh connects the entire region of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal. Chandigarh's development not only transforms the lives of the people here but also brings great benefits to the people of Haryana, Himachal, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. For medical services, Chandigarh is a major hub in this entire region,' he added.

The Prime Minister also underlined the Centre's investments under the Smart Cities Mission, saying Chandigarh has evolved into a technology-driven urban centre. 'Over the past years, numerous projects such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre, smart traffic management, smart parking and digital governance have been implemented to transform Chandigarh into a high-tech city. More than Rs 2,500 crore have been spent on this mission,' Modi said.

He inaugurated the six-lane Greenfield Highway from IT City to Kurali and laid the foundation stone of the PR-7 Spur of the Ambala–Chandigarh Greenfield Highway. These projects are expected to reduce pressure on Airport Road, provide relief from traffic jams, and fuel economic growth. The 10.3-km PR-7 Spur will allow long-distance traffic to bypass congested urban stretches of Zirakpur and provide a direct link between the Zirakpur Bypass and Aerocity.

'All these development works will give momentum to industry and business. Ease of Living in our Chandigarh will become even better,' Modi said. He added that infrastructure development is the roadmap for economic progress and that, for the first time, infrastructure is being developed with a holistic approach.

Modi also inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at PGIMER, Chandigarh. He laid the foundation stone of a 150-bed state-of-the-art Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). He said the advanced healthcare facilities at PGI Chandigarh are being expanded, which will benefit lakhs of people.