PM Modi Unveils ₹4,700 Crore Development Push for Chandigarh

New Delhi, July 17,2026 Strengthening healthcare, education and infrastructure remained the focus as Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh. The initiatives are aimed at improving public services and boosting regional connectivity, with benefits expected to extend beyond the Union Territory to neighbouring Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The visit followed the Prime Minister's programme in Haryana's Jind and precedes his scheduled visit to Jalandhar in Punjab. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi described Chandigarh as a model of planned urban development and highlighted the Centre's continued emphasis on the city's growth. He said, "Coming among all of you today fills my heart with a unique sense of joy. Chandigarh is not just a city; it has been a model of development for India. Chandigarh is known for its planned development, for a better lifestyle, better medical facilities, and along with all this, Chandigarh's identity is the blessings of Maa Chandika." Referring to healthcare and governance reforms, he added, "You will recall that a year and a half ago, the country made a major reform in the justice system. We brought the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in place of the Penal Code. In other words, a justice-based legal system in place of punishment-based laws. The implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began from Chandigarh itself." He also noted that over ₹2,500 crore had been invested under the Smart City Mission to modernise urban infrastructure through digital governance, smart traffic management and integrated city services. The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at PGIMER, while also laying the foundation stone for a 150-bed Critical Care Block under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. In addition, he inaugurated new hostel facilities at Punjab Engineering College and Government College, Sector 46, laid the foundation stone for a Research Scholars' Hostel, and launched the six-lane Greenfield Highway connecting IT City and Kurali. He also laid the foundation stone for the PR-7 Spur of the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway, aimed at improving regional connectivity and easing traffic movement. Highlighting India's progress in healthcare, PM Modi said, "There was a time when the world used to worry about India’s healthcare system. During the coronavirus pandemic, the world was worried about India. But our government changed the world’s perception of India. During the pandemic, India was not asking for help; it was sending help. Today, people from across the world come to India for healthcare. This is the result of the honest efforts made over the past 12 years." He also praised PGIMER's contribution to medical services and education, stating that the country's medical infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade. The newly launched projects are expected to strengthen healthcare, education and transport facilities while supporting the region's long-term development.