CHANDIGARH, Nov 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated two completed development projects and laid the foundation stones for seven new initiatives in Chandigarh, involving a combined investment of approximately Rs 258 crore.
The projects include infrastructure upgrades, educational facilities, police housing, sports amenities and improved public transport facilities. While the completed works are valued at around Rs 80 crore, the seven projects announced for execution account for the remaining Rs 178 crore.
Addressing a gathering at Tiranga Park in Sector 17, Shah extended greetings to Chandigarh residents on the city’s Foundation Day and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to its development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlighting Chandigarh’s distinct identity and its association with Punjab and Haryana, he said efforts were being made to strengthen its position as a leading administrative centre in the country.
The Home Minister also indicated that long standing issues concerning Chandigarh residents would soon see progress, with Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria expected to announce relief measures. He observed that several matters had remained pending for decades.
Among the completed projects inaugurated by Shah was the Government High School in Sarangpur, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. The facility is expected to strengthen access to government education in the area.
He also opened the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking’s depot-cum-workshop at Raipur Kalan, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 68 crore. The facility is aimed at improving bus maintenance, operational efficiency and public transport services.
The seven projects receiving foundation stones include 192 Type-III residential quarters for Chandigarh Armed Police personnel at Dhanas, with an estimated investment of Rs 84 crore.
A pedestrian subway linking the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) with Panjab University will be constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore to provide safer passage across a busy stretch of road.
The Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology in Sector 26 will receive a new boys’ hostel worth Rs 25 crore, while a gymnasium hall at Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46, will be developed for approximately Rs 11 crore.
The administration will also upgrade the Sports Complex in Sector 7 with an investment of Rs 20 crore to improve facilities for athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Additionally, a new police station building will come up in Sector 49 at a cost of Rs 21 crore. The security infrastructure will receive a further boost through the establishment of 15 permanent check posts at the city’s entry and border points, involving an expenditure of Rs 5 crore.
Addressing the event, Kataria thanked the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister for their continued support and guidance. He reiterated the administration’s vision of developing Chandigarh into a clean, green, secure, inclusive and future-ready city.
Earlier, Shah attended the Diamond Jubilee Raising Day celebrations of Chandigarh Police at Police Lines in Sector 26. During the ceremony, he presented the prestigious President’s Colour to the force and flagged off 141 newly inducted police vehicles.