Chandigarh, Nov 29: Chandigarh’s administration has started major development on nearly 40 acres of government land cleared of encroachments this year, launching projects that officials say mark a key push under the city’s Third Phase expansion.
A senior UT Estate Office official said the planning stage is complete. “All sites have been mapped, the plans are final, and departments have begun work,” the official said. He noted that every project is aligned with the Chandigarh Master Plan and is meant “to improve connectivity, strengthen civic systems and create new jobs.”
The reclaimed tracts span Sanjay Colony, Janata Colony, Adarsh Colony, Shahpur Colony and the Furniture Market belt in Sectors 53 and 54. Officials said the administration is using the land strictly for public infrastructure, replacing informal settlements with structured development.
Sanjay Colony, Industrial Area Phase 1, was cleared on April 23, freeing six acres valued at nearly ₹300 crore. The plot is now being prepared for Northern Railway facilities, including yard expansion, warehouses, logistics areas and industrial support structures.
In Janata Colony (Sector 25), where 12 acres worth about ₹350 crore were reclaimed on May 6, work is underway on a redevelopment plan featuring residential units, internal roads, a shopping zone, a crèche, community centre, school and children’s park.
Adarsh Colony (Sector 54) was cleared on June 19, opening another 12-acre stretch valued at roughly ₹750 crore. The Chandigarh Housing Board has begun new housing schemes here. The Master Plan also proposes new link infrastructure connecting Sectors 53, 54 and 55, while the UT will build around 1,000 rental accommodations for employees.
In the Furniture Market belt (Sectors 53–54), cleared on July 20, about 12 acres worth ₹400 crore are being developed with roads, parks, civic facilities and mixed-use residential-commercial blocks. This zone too will house around 1,000 government rental flats.
The most recent clearance was Shahpur Colony (Sector 25) on September 30, where 4.5 acres valued at ₹250 crore are now being converted into commercial space with a shopping complex, office units and a market area for small and large businesses.
“All these locations will see structured, long-term development,” the UT official said. “The goal is to rebuild these pockets so they serve the larger public interest.”
