CHANDIGARH, Aug. 16 — A four-lane flyover from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) to Sarangpur has been proposed to ease congestion on one of Chandigarh’s busiest stretches, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria announced during the 79th Independence Day celebrations.
Addressing a gathering at Parade Ground, Kataria said the 1.3-km project, estimated to cost nearly ₹90 crore, would significantly reduce traffic snarls. He added that construction work on the Tribune Chowk flyover would also be taken up soon.
“The administration is committed to addressing long-standing traffic problems. These projects will go a long way in decongesting the city,” Kataria noted. He also said the UT Estate Office had reclaimed around 55 acres of government land worth ₹2,500 crore from encroachers.
The celebrations began after the Administrator laid a wreath at the War Memorial, Bougainvillea Garden, in tribute to armed forces personnel who laid down their lives for the nation. At Parade Ground, Kataria unfurled the national flag, inspected the Guard of Honour and presided over a parade featuring Chandigarh Police and NCC contingents.
In his address, Kataria paid homage to freedom fighters, acknowledging Punjab’s central role in the freedom struggle. “We remember with deep respect Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lokmanya Tilak and countless other heroes. Punjab has given the country icons like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha and Madan Lal Dhingra,” he said.
The Governor reiterated India’s firm stand against terrorism, noting the armed forces’ swift responses. “Operations Sindoor and Mahadev following the Pahalgam attack reflect our decisive will to counter terrorism,” he remarked.
Highlighting Chandigarh’s development in recent years, Kataria mentioned achievements in law enforcement, education, health care, governance and environment. He cited the rollout of the new criminal justice system, reforms in the power sector, recruitment of teachers, free school uniforms, better facilities in government schools, rooftop solar expansion and a floating solar plant at Sector 39. Efforts in sanitation, e-governance, digital services and public safety were also mentioned.
A notable aspect of this year’s celebrations was the participation of 50 hearing and speech-impaired individuals, who witnessed the event with arrangements for real-time sign language interpretation.
Awards and commendations were conferred on the occasion. Kataria presented Administrator’s Police Medal for distinguished service to 24 Chandigarh Police personnel, while three officers received the President’s Police Medal. Certificates of commendation were given to 34 individuals for contributions in public service, art, culture, sports and social work.
Parade prizes were also announced: Chandigarh Police District-1 (Male) won the overall best contingent award, while IRB (Female) and Punjab Police Platoon (Male) followed in the police category. Chandigarh Fire Services topped the Home Guard/Fire Brigade/Civil Defence section, and NCC Army Wing secured first place among NCC groups.
In the student categories, GMSS-22 Guide Girls and GMHS-32 Girls took top honours in the Scouts/Guides and Road Safety section. Sacred Heart-26 won first prize in the school band category. In cultural presentations, Operation Sindoor volunteers bagged the first position.
