Chandigarh, April 26 — Facing a persistent financial crunch, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has decided to resume road recarpeting in select priority areas using funds from recently collected property taxes.
The decision comes after a nearly year-long suspension of road repairs across the city.
Municipal commissioner Amit Kumar has instructed field teams to inspect roads and prepare a list of those in the most critical condition.
“Directions have been given to identify roads requiring recarpeting on priority. A proper list will be made, and only after inspection, the work will start,” Kumar said.
Chandigarh’s MC manages over 2,000 km of roads, including V3 to V6 categories, parking zones, and internal lanes in sectors, rehabilitation colonies, and villages.
However, plans to begin recarpeting, traditionally undertaken in March-April and October-November, were stalled due to insufficient funds.
With tenders for several major roadworks still pending despite completed paperwork, officials now warn that further delays may cause the city to miss yet another critical weather window for repairs. The last round of recarpeting was halted in May 2024.
According to a senior MC official, work will soon start with the dividing road between Sector 44 and 45.
“The first quarter of the financial year usually brings some relief as property tax collections begin. Though we have no money left from the UT’s grant-in-aid, this internal revenue will help prevent the loss of another recarpeting season,” the official said.
Nearly 400 km of roads—primarily V3 routes that divide sectors—are in urgent need of repair. The civic body had recently proposed transferring responsibility for 262 km of V3 roads to the UT administration to ease financial pressure. While supported by BJP councillors and mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, the proposal was voted down in the House.
Commissioner Amit Kumar also supported the move, stating the roads could be taken back once the MC’s finances stabilize.
Meanwhile, Mayor Babla noted the added burden of maintaining 22 villages that have recently been integrated into the MC’s jurisdiction.
Previously under panchayat samitis, these villages no longer receive annual maintenance grants.
“The corporation is now responsible for roads, drainage, sewerage, water supply, and parks in these villages. We have requested financial assistance to ensure basic services can continue,” the mayor said.
Read more: Chandigarh MC Plans to Transfer V3 Roads to UT Administration
