Chandigarh Unveils Ambitious 25-Acre Concert Centre in Sarangpur as Part of 'Viksit Chandigarh' Vision
In a significant announcement on the 77th Republic Day, Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, H Rajesh Prasad, revealed plans for a state-of-the-art concert centre spanning 25 acres in Sarangpur. This world-class facility is designed to host national and international events, positioning Chandigarh as a modern, inclusive, and globally connected city.
Comprehensive Development Roadmap for a 'Viksit Chandigarh'
Prasad outlined a clear and inclusive development roadmap aligned with the broader vision of 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Chandigarh'. The administration's focus areas include:
- Citizen-centric governance
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Clean energy initiatives
- Smart mobility solutions
- Quality education systems
- Accessible healthcare services
- Empowerment programs for women and youth
Public Safety and Emergency Response Achievements
The Chief Secretary highlighted Chandigarh Police's remarkable achievement of the fastest emergency response time in the country during 2025, averaging just 5.6 minutes. This success is attributed to several key initiatives:
- Induction of Quick Response Team motorcycles under the 'Sadak Sahayogi – Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jeevan' program
- Proposed installation of approximately 2,000 CCTV cameras across the city
- Construction of new police stations at Mauli Jagran and IT Park
- Housing projects for police personnel at Dhanas to improve welfare and morale
Healthcare Infrastructure and Services Expansion
Chandigarh has achieved 100% saturation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with 60 operational centres under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Additional healthcare advancements include:
- Launch of home-based medical services for citizens above 80 years of age
- Completion of a new Emergency and Trauma Block at GMCH-32
- Progress on mother and child care facilities, hostels, and new hospitals at Dhanas and Manimajra
Educational Excellence and Infrastructure Development
Education remains a core priority, with Chandigarh being declared a fully literate Union Territory under the ULLAS programme. Key educational achievements include:
- Pioneering implementation of the Sewa Curriculum
- Top national rankings in learning outcomes
- Recruitment of approximately 750 teachers
- Expansion of school and higher education infrastructure
- Leadership in inclusive education, ensuring free and compulsory schooling up to 18 years for children with benchmark disabilities
Sports Infrastructure and Cultural Initiatives
The administration has made substantial investments in sports infrastructure, including:
- New and upgraded facilities at Sectors 42, 39, and 18
- Scholarships exceeding Rs 7 crore for sportspersons
- Inclusive initiatives for specially-abled athletes
- Successful hosting of national youth and cultural programmes
- Reaffirmed commitment to maintaining a drug-free society
Urban Mobility and Sustainability Initiatives
Chandigarh is undergoing a significant green transition with several sustainability measures:
- Induction of electric buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa Scheme
- Expansion of CTU infrastructure
- Implementation of intelligent transport systems
- National recognition for energy conservation and electric mobility
- Becoming the first Indian city to achieve 100% solar saturation of government buildings
Governance Reforms and Urban Development
Significant governance reforms have been implemented, including:
- Digitisation of land records
- Launch of the GIS-based Land Stack Project
- FIFO-based system at the Estate Office to ensure transparency
- Regular Janta Darbars to strengthen citizen engagement
- Achievement of slum-free city status through government land reclamation and resident rehabilitation
The 25-acre concert centre at Sarangpur represents just one component of Chandigarh's comprehensive development strategy. This ambitious project, along with the numerous infrastructure and social initiatives, demonstrates the administration's commitment to transforming Chandigarh into a model city that balances cultural vibrancy with sustainable urban development.
