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Chandigarh: Elevated road towards PGI among ₹176-cr projects cleared by admn panel
The three major projects include a ₹89 crore elevated road at Khudda Jassu and Khuda Lahora, a ₹73 crore 50-bedded critical care hospital at Manimajra, and a ₹13 crore City Forest project at the Sukhna Choe Reserve Forest.
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The appraisal committee of the Chandigarh administration has recommended projects worth ₹176 crore. The proposals, cleared under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, will now move forward for administrative approval and financial sanction, subject to observations made during the meeting.
The three major projects include a ₹89 crore elevated road at Khudda Jassu and Khuda Lahora, a ₹73 crore 50-bedded critical care hospital at Manimajra, and a ₹13 crore City Forest project at the Sukhna Choe Reserve Forest.
Elevated road to ease PGI-bound congestion
The committee cleared plans for a 1,280-metre-long, four-lane elevated corridor connecting Khudda Jassu and Khuda Lahora. The project is expected to significantly decongest traffic, particularly along the busy PGI approach road, by ensuring uninterrupted, grade-separated movement.
Designed using reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and precast construction technology, the project will include reinforced earth (RE) walls, solid-fill approaches, crash barriers, drainage systems, street lighting and pedestrian-friendly features. Authorities believe the corridor will not only improve travel time but also reduce fuel consumption and vehicular emissions, while enhancing overall road safety and carrying capacity.
Critical care hospital to boost emergency services
A major healthcare push is proposed through the construction of a 50-bedded Critical Care Hospital in Manimajra under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
The facility will house a 16-bed ICU/HDU, a 28-bed isolation ward and an 8-bed emergency and triage unit. It will also offer advanced services such as cardiac care, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, dialysis, maternity and newborn care, along with medical gas pipelines and liquid oxygen systems.
Planned as a modern, patient-friendly facility, the hospital will feature a modular operation theatre with smart management systems, 96-car basement parking, HVAC systems, fire safety infrastructure, CCTV surveillance and access control. Officials said the design also allows scope for future expansion to meet growing healthcare demands.
City Forest to promote eco-tourism and conservation
In a parallel push for environmental sustainability, the committee recommended the development of a City Forest in the Sukhna Choe Reserve Forest area. The ₹13 crore project aims to create an eco-sensitive recreational space while preserving the ecological integrity of the restored forest land.
The proposed development includes nature trails, cycle tracks, elevated walkways, viewing platforms, bird-watching zones and interpretation centres. Facilities such as an open-air theatre, auditorium, meditation huts, gazebos and rain shelters are also planned.
Additional features include bamboo bridges, fire watch towers, observation decks, visitor management facilities, food kiosks and basic amenities. The project will rely on eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction practices, with a focus on minimising environmental disturbance and protecting existing vegetation.
Officials said the City Forest will serve as a hub for environmental education, biodiversity awareness and responsible eco-tourism, while also improving public access to green spaces.
During the meeting, the chief secretary emphasised the need for expeditious completion of procedural formalities so that work on all three projects can begin at the earliest.
