Infrastructure – Chandigarh Receives ₹4,736 Crore Boost for Healthcare and Connectivity
Infrastructure – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹4,736 crore in Chandigarh, with the investment focused on improving transport infrastructure, expanding healthcare services and strengthening educational facilities. Speaking at a public gathering held at Punjab Engineering College, the Prime Minister said the initiatives would support the city’s long-term growth while benefiting neighbouring states that rely on Chandigarh for essential services.
Chandigarh’s Strategic Importance Highlighted
During his address, Modi described Chandigarh as one of India’s best examples of planned urban development, noting its reputation for quality infrastructure, organized civic planning and a high standard of living. He said the Union government has consistently treated the Union Territory as a priority because of its role in connecting Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and serving residents from Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Prime Minister, improvements made in Chandigarh create wider regional benefits by strengthening access to healthcare, education and public administration for people beyond the city limits.
Major Expansion Planned for PGIMER
A significant portion of the announcements focused on healthcare infrastructure at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Modi inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, both equipped with modern medical technology and a combined capacity of 300 beds.
The Advanced Mother and Child Centre is expected to improve maternal and pediatric healthcare services for families across northern India. Meanwhile, the Advanced Neurosciences Centre will bring neurological treatment, neurosurgery, neuro-critical care and advanced diagnostic services together under one facility, helping patients receive comprehensive treatment for complex neurological conditions.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new 150-bed Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), further strengthening emergency and specialized healthcare services at the institute.
Reflecting on Chandigarh’s Healthcare Legacy
Recalling his association with Chandigarh, Modi said he had frequently visited PGIMER while staying in the city and had witnessed patients arriving from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir for advanced treatment. He also remembered attending the institute’s convocation ceremony in 2015 and expressed satisfaction over reconnecting with its medical community.
He praised the institute’s administration, faculty members and young doctors, saying PGIMER has considerably expanded its capabilities over the past decade. He added that access to quality healthcare has increasingly become an essential public service rather than a privilege.
Focus on Smart Infrastructure and Governance
The Prime Minister also referred to the city’s digital transformation, stating that Chandigarh has benefited from investments in smart governance initiatives, including the Integrated Command and Control Centre, intelligent traffic management systems, digital public services and smart parking facilities. He said more than ₹2,500 crore has been invested under these modernization efforts.
Speaking about legal reforms, Modi noted that the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began from Chandigarh, replacing colonial-era criminal laws with the country’s updated legal framework.
Public Recognition and Event Attendance
During the event, Modi acknowledged retired IPS officer and social worker Inderjit Singh Sidhu, who recently received the Padma Shri for his contribution to cleanliness initiatives in Chandigarh. Widely known as the “Broom Man,” Sidhu was praised for his sustained public service.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria welcomed the Prime Minister at the function. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chandigarh Member of Parliament Manish Tewari were also present.
While the inauguration ceremony attracted large public participation, traffic diversions and security arrangements around Punjab Engineering College resulted in temporary inconvenience for commuters across several parts of the city.