The year 2023 presented a complex narrative for Mohali, a city walking a tightrope between its ambitious expansion goals and the stark reality of its existing infrastructure hurdles. While significant strides were made in planning and initiating large-scale projects, residents continued to grapple with day-to-day civic challenges, painting a picture of a city in transition.
The Push for Expansion: Major Projects Take Shape
Mohali's development agenda in 2023 was dominated by several high-profile projects aimed at transforming its urban landscape. The most prominent among these was the Punjab International Aerotropolis project. After years of delays, the year saw renewed momentum with the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) finally initiating the process to acquire approximately 1,000 acres of land. This mega project is envisioned to create an integrated aviation hub around the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, promising significant economic upliftment.
Parallelly, the city's expansion was being guided by the draft Master Plan 2031. This blueprint outlined a future where Mohali's municipal limits would extend to encompass 35 villages, significantly increasing its area. The plan focused on sectoral development, improved road networks, and dedicated zones for residential, commercial, and industrial use, setting a long-term vision for sustainable growth.
The Reality on Ground: Persistent Civic and Infrastructural Woes
Despite the grand plans, the lived experience for many Mohali residents in 2023 was marred by persistent infrastructure deficits. Chronic traffic congestion remained a top concern, with key intersections like the Airport Chowk and the slip road towards Zirakpur becoming notorious bottlenecks. The lack of robust public transport and the haphazard parking along major roads exacerbated the problem, leading to daily commuter frustration.
Water supply issues continued to plague various sectors. Inconsistent and inadequate water availability was a frequent complaint, highlighting the strain on existing civic systems as the city expands. Furthermore, the state of internal roads and stormwater drainage was a point of contention, with several areas suffering during the monsoon season due to waterlogging and poor maintenance.
Administrative Actions and Public Response
The municipal and state authorities were not inactive. The year saw administrative efforts to address some of these challenges. GMADA transferred 70 acres in Sector 101 to the Municipal Corporation Mohali for development purposes. The civic body also initiated several road repair and recarpeting projects across different sectors. A significant crackdown on illegal encroachments was undertaken to clear public spaces and footpaths.
However, public perception often viewed these actions as reactive rather than proactive. Residents and resident welfare associations (RWAs) consistently called for more comprehensive planning, better coordination between GMADA and the Municipal Corporation, and faster execution of promised projects. The delay in finding a permanent solution for the garbage processing plant at Dadumajra also remained a critical environmental and civic concern throughout the year.
Looking Ahead: A City at a Crossroads
The year 2023, therefore, ended with Mohali at a crucial crossroads. On one hand, the foundational work for transformative projects like the Aerotropolis and the framework of the Master Plan 2031 laid down a promising path for the future. On the other hand, the unresolved daily infrastructure issues served as a constant reminder of the ground that needs to be covered.
The city's success will ultimately depend on its ability to synchronize its long-term expansion goals with immediate infrastructure upgrades. Bridging the gap between planning and execution, ensuring seamless inter-departmental coordination, and prioritizing citizen-centric urban management will be the key challenges as Mohali steps into the new year. The tightrope walk continues, with the hope that the balance will tip decisively towards sustainable and hassle-free development for all its inhabitants.
