"Chandigarh is not just a city; it has been model of development for India": PM Modi
Chandigarh, July 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Chandigarh's development benefits not only the Union Territory but also neighbouring states, as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister described Chandigarh as a model of planned development and said the NDA government has consistently prioritised its growth.
"Coming among all of you today fills my heart with a unique sense of joy. Chandigarh is not just a city; it has been a model of development for India. Chandigarh is known for its planned development, for a better lifestyle, better medical facilities, and along with all this, Chandigarh's identity is the blessings of Maa Chandika," Modi said.
He said Chandigarh's development has long been a hallmark of the NDA government's governance model.
"With the development of Chandigarh, people's lives have been transformed. But its benefits extend beyond the city, reaching the people of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh as well. I am aware that, from the point of view of healthcare, Chandigarh is an important centre. Today, the advanced healthcare facilities at PGI Chandigarh are being expanded, which will benefit lakhs of people," he said.
Highlighting reforms in the justice system, the Prime Minister said Chandigarh was the first place where the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began after the Centre replaced colonial-era criminal laws.
"You will recall that a year and a half ago, the country made a major reform in the justice system. We brought the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in place of the Penal Code. In other words, a justice-based legal system in place of punishment-based laws. The implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began from Chandigarh itself," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the city's transformation under the Smart City Mission.
"Over the past years, numerous projects such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre, Smart Traffic Management, Smart Parking and Digital Governance have been implemented to transform Chandigarh into a high-tech city. More than Rs 2,500 crore have been spent on this mission," he said.
PM Modi noted that Chandigarh serves as a vital hub connecting Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, while also benefiting people from Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in healthcare.
"Before coming here, I was in Jind, Haryana, and from here I am heading to Jalandhar for Punjab's development works. Chandigarh connects the entire region of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal. Chandigarh's development not only transforms the lives of the people here but also brings great benefits to the people of Haryana, Himachal, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. For medical services, Chandigarh is a major hub in this entire region," he said.
Speaking about India's healthcare sector, the Prime Minister said the country's image had changed significantly over the past decade.
"There was a time when the world used to worry about India's healthcare system. During the coronavirus pandemic, the world was worried about India. But our government changed the world's perception of India. During the pandemic, India was not asking for help; it was sending help. Today, people from across the world come to India for healthcare. This is the result of the honest efforts made over the past 12 years," he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 14,700 crore in the state before arriving in Chandigarh.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Smart City Mission has definitely transformed Chandigarh—better traffic management and digital governance are noticeable improvements. But I hope the benefits reach smaller towns as well, not just the capital cities. Still, credit where it's due, the PM's emphasis on healthcare and justice reform is commendable. Let's see how much actually trickles down to the common man.
Interesting to see how Chandigarh serves as a hub for multiple states. The Planned Development model is something many cities could learn from. However, I'm curious about the practical impact of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—changing laws is one thing, but ensuring speedy justice for ordinary citizens is another challenge altogether.
Finally some focus on regional development! My family has benefited from PGI's medical facilities for years. The expansion is long overdue. And yes, Chandigarh's model is impressive—clean roads, proper sewage, green spaces. But let's not forget that many border villages in Punjab still lack basic infrastructure. Hope the PM's vision includes them too.
This is great news for the tricity area! The hydrogen train initiative is a game-changer for sustainable transport in Haryana. I only wish the government would also address the rising pollution in Chandigarh due to construction and vehicles. Smart City or not, clean air is the basic need.
I appreciate the PM's emphasis on healthcare transformation, but the reality is that many still struggle to afford treatment at private hospitals. While PGI expansion will help, we need more district-level hospitals so people don't have to travel to Chandigarh for basic care. All the same, the development projects sound promising.
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