Chandigarh :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, aimed at boosting the city’s healthcare, education and road infrastructure.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated several advanced medical facilities at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), including the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, Advanced Mother and Child Centre, and the Critical Care Hospital Block, which are expected to enhance tertiary healthcare services for patients from Chandigarh and neighbouring states.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria before addressing a public gathering.
Calling Chandigarh “a model of development for the nation,” Modi said the Central Government has consistently invested in strengthening the city’s infrastructure and improving public services.
Highlighting legal reforms, he said the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has replaced the colonial-era penal code to deliver faster and more accessible justice.
Referring to Chandigarh’s Smart City initiatives, Modi said the Centre has invested over ₹2,500 crore in projects such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Smart Traffic Management System, Smart Parking, and digital governance infrastructure to modernise urban services.
Emphasising the link between cleanliness and public health, the Prime Minister said the Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed sanitation across the country through the construction of millions of toilets and widespread public awareness campaigns.
He also appreciated Padma awardee and retired IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu for his contribution to promoting cleanliness in Chandigarh, urging citizens to make cleanliness a daily habit rather than a symbolic campaign.
Expressing confidence in the impact of the newly launched projects, Modi said the initiatives would significantly improve healthcare, infrastructure and the overall quality of life for people in Chandigarh and the surrounding region.
