CHANDIGARH, 26 June — Chandigarh’s long-stalled General Housing Scheme in Sector 53 is nearing a potential revival, with UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria set to hold a key meeting with Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) officers to review revised flat prices based on the newly implemented collector rates.
The move follows CHB’s circulation of an internal agenda to its board members last week, requesting responses within three days on whether to proceed with the project under the updated pricing structure. The revised rates, linked to the steep collector rate hike that came into effect on April 1, have pushed flat prices up by 35% to 40%, raising fresh questions over affordability and buyer interest.
Most board members have now conveyed their approval to launch the scheme at the revised rates, according to officials, and the consensus will be presented before the Administrator. A decision in favour is expected to remove the final hurdle for the project’s formal rollout.
“This is the only major residential scheme proposed by CHB since 2016, and the public response has shown there’s still significant interest,” said a senior CHB officer. “Now, it’s about reaching finality on pricing.”
The Sector 53 scheme had long been marred by administrative delays, shifting cost estimates, and lack of agreement among board members. However, with environmental clearance already secured, pricing remains the final challenge to clear.
CHB had earlier conducted a widely publicised demand survey, which concluded on March 3 and drew an overwhelming response — 7,468 applicants for just 372 flats across three categories: High-Income Group (HIG), Middle-Income Group (MIG), and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The ratio translated to roughly 20 applicants per unit, reflecting pent-up demand in the city’s housing market.
To confirm participation, applicants had deposited ₹10,000 for HIG and MIG flats and ₹5,000 for EWS units. CHB had collected nearly ₹7.5 crore, which it has now begun refunding amid uncertainty over final prices.
At the time of the demand survey, flat prices were estimated at ₹1.65 crore for a 3BHK, ₹1.40 crore for a 2BHK, and ₹55 lakh for an EWS unit. However, the new collector rates have dramatically escalated prices to ₹2.30 crore for a 3BHK, ₹1.97 crore for a 2BHK, and ₹74 lakh for an EWS flat.
Officials remain cautiously optimistic that enough applicants may still be willing to proceed, despite the surge in cost. “We are aware of the concerns over affordability,” the official added. “But with the market demand and limited supply, there is still strong potential for uptake — if the scheme moves ahead swiftly.”
Kataria’s meeting with the CHB team is expected to set the course for the scheme’s fate in the coming weeks.
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