Chandigarh A Model Of Development In Healthcare And Connectivity, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described Chandigarh as a model of development in healthcare, education and connectivity while inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore. He said the city’s planned development, quality of life and healthcare infrastructure have made it a priority for the NDA government.

Addressing a gathering, the Prime Minister said the BJP-led NDA government has introduced several reforms over the past 12 years, including replacing colonial-era penal laws with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, whose implementation began in Chandigarh. He also highlighted investments of over Rs 2,500 crore under the Smart City Mission, covering projects such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre, smart traffic management, smart parking and digital governance.

Recalling his association with the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), the Prime Minister said the institute has significantly expanded its capabilities over the past decade. He noted that the number of medical colleges, MBBS seats and postgraduate medical seats has nearly doubled across the country during this period.

The inaugurated projects include the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, the 300-bed Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the foundation stone for a 150-bed Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) at PGI.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated education infrastructure projects, including hostels at Punjab Engineering College and Government College, Sector 46.

Road infrastructure projects include the six-lane Greenfield Highway from IT City to Kurali in Mohali district and the foundation stone for the 10.3-km PR-7 Spur of the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway (NH-205A), aimed at improving regional connectivity.

Before arriving in Chandigarh, the Prime Minister launched the country’s first 10-coach hydrogen-powered NaMo Green Rail train and projects worth Rs 14,700 crore in Haryana’s Jind.