Chandigarh, March 26 — The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) House has rejected a proposal to transfer all V3 roads (sector-dividing roads) under its jurisdiction to the UT administration for carpeting and maintenance. The decision leaves the fate of the city’s pothole-ridden roads uncertain, as the MC continues to struggle with a crippling fund crunch.
The proposal aimed to hand over 262 kilometres of roads to the UT, with resurfacing costs estimated at ₹26 crore. However, it faced strong opposition from Congress and AAP councillors. They accused the UT administration of failing to provide adequate financial support, arguing that road transfers would weaken the MC’s authority.
AAP councillor Hardeep Singh criticised the UT’s inaction, stating, “If these roads are transferred, we cannot expect further financial assistance in the future. Let the people face problems so the administration realises the impact of MC’s financial crisis.” He questioned why the MC should not hand over all its responsibilities if road transfers were seen as a solution.
Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi opposed the move, citing previous UT-handled construction projects, including community centres, which he claimed were of poor quality. “Instead of transferring roads, MC should demand additional grants and continue its developmental work independently,” Gabi said.
BJP councillors, along with mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, backed the proposal, suggesting that the MC could reclaim the roads once its financial condition improved.
Following the rejection, MC commissioner Amit Kumar issued a dissent note, stressing the urgency of road repairs. “Road carpeting requires significant funds, which we do not currently have. My priority is public welfare, and this is not the first time MC has considered transferring roads to the UT for maintenance,” he said. Kumar noted that such transfers had occurred previously with provisions to reclaim the roads after three to five years, subject to House approval.
Read more: UT Road Transfer Will Weaken Chandigarh MC, Bansal
