Chandigarh, July 17 (APAC Media): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore in Chandigarh, covering healthcare, education and road infrastructure.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister described Chandigarh as a model of planned urban development, saying its growth benefits not only the Union Territory but also neighbouring Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The visit came after PM Modi inaugurated projects in Haryana’s Jind and ahead of his scheduled visit to Jalandhar, Punjab.
Healthcare Infrastructure Expanded
A major highlight of the visit was the expansion of healthcare infrastructure at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).
The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the 300-bed Advanced Mother and Child Centre, designed to provide specialised care for high-risk pregnancies, critically ill newborns and children requiring advanced treatment.
He also inaugurated the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, which brings neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-critical care and advanced diagnostic facilities under one roof while strengthening research and medical education.
Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a 150-bed Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) to enhance emergency response and intensive care services.
Education and Connectivity Projects
In the education sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kurukshetra Boys Hostel and Mess and laid the foundation stone for a Research Scholars’ Hostel at Punjab Engineering College. He also inaugurated a new hostel block at Government College, Sector 46.
To strengthen regional connectivity, PM Modi inaugurated the six-lane Greenfield Highway connecting IT City and Kurali in Mohali district, expected to reduce travel time between Mohali, Kharar and Kurali.
He also laid the foundation stone for the 10.3-km PR-7 Spur of the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway (NH-205A), aimed at easing congestion in Zirakpur and improving connectivity to Aerocity.
Chandigarh’s Development Benefits the Region
The Prime Minister said the NDA Government has consistently prioritised Chandigarh’s development, noting that investments in healthcare, infrastructure and urban development benefit the wider northern region.
He also highlighted projects implemented under the Smart City Mission, including the Integrated Command and Control Centre, Smart Traffic Management, Smart Parking and Digital Governance, stating that over Rs 2,500 crore has been invested to modernise the city.
