Punjab Initiates Major Infrastructure Push with 1,300-Acre Road Network in Mohali and New Chandigarh
In a significant move to accelerate urban development, the Punjab government has launched a major infrastructure project involving road construction across nearly 1,300 acres in VIP City Mohali and New Chandigarh. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, under Principal Secretary Vikas Garg, has issued a notification for conducting a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to pave the way for this transformative initiative.
Project Details and Key Corridors
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has been entrusted with the responsibility to complete the development works within a fixed timeline. GMADA will acquire land from over 50 villages in Mohali and New Chandigarh to build a comprehensive network of HR, VR, Horizontal, and Approach roads as per the master plan.
Specific road projects include:
- The Landran–Banur corridor, which will acquire 156.61 acres to develop a horizontal road, addressing long-standing issues with damaged and narrow infrastructure. This will provide smoother travel, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity between villages and urban areas.
- A new horizontal road connecting Dara Studio to Kharar via Badmajra, requiring approximately 108.57 acres of land acquisition. This will benefit sectors 122, 121, 120, 123, 125, and 124 by reducing travel time and traffic pressure.
Expected Benefits and Impact
The new road network is projected to significantly strengthen the traffic system and provide enhanced connectivity to rapidly expanding residential and commercial zones. It is expected to boost investment and real estate activity in the region, aligning with modern urban infrastructure standards.
Authorities believe this project will play a crucial role in establishing Mohali and New Chandigarh as well-planned, modern cities, improving overall infrastructure and quality of life. Residents of New Sunny Enclave and adjoining sectors are also set to benefit from improved accessibility and development.
Social Impact Assessment and Land Acquisition Process
The proposed land acquisition will undergo a detailed evaluation to determine whether the project genuinely serves public purpose. Authorities will estimate the number of affected families and assess potential displacement, aiming to understand social impacts and ensure appropriate measures for residents.
The notification specifies that areas where developer companies have already received Change of Land Use (CLU) approval and availed "sellability" benefits under the 06.02.2015 policy will be excluded from the acquisition process. This ensures that previously approved and developed projects remain unaffected, providing clarity and stability for existing developments.
This ambitious project represents a strategic effort by the Punjab government to foster sustainable urban growth, enhance connectivity, and stimulate economic activity in Mohali and New Chandigarh, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure initiatives in the region.
