Administration to hire consultant for infra audit of Chandigarh periphery

The UT Administration is set to hire a consultant for a detailed infrastructure audit of the city’s periphery, industrial areas and upcoming transit-oriented development corridors. The report of the consultant will determine the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to be permitted across these areas.

According to officials, the exercise is aimed at assessing whether Chandigarh’s existing civic systems can handle higher construction intensity and population density. The FAR will be finalised only after evaluating the carrying capacity of roads, traffic networks, parking, water supply, sewerage, storm-water drainage and power infrastructure. “The idea is to ensure that any increase in FAR is backed by adequate infrastructure. We do not want unplanned stress on services,” said a senior official.

The move is part of the proposed amendment to the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, which proposes a shift towards vertical growth in select areas while preserving the low-rise character of heritage sectors in Phase-I. Planners have indicated that higher FAR and relaxed building norms are being considered for Phase-III sectors, industrial belts and peripheral areas, but only after infrastructure gaps are identified and addressed.

The proposed amendments have already triggered debate among architects and urban planners, who have flagged concerns about the city’s current infrastructure struggling to cope with additional load. They have called for strengthening of water supply, electricity, sewerage and drainage systems before allowing denser development.

Significant changes are expected in Phase-III and peripheral sectors, where new group housing projects may be required to have a minimum height of four storeys. The draft norms also allow buildings up to 30 metres in height and an FAR of up to 3.0, marking a sharp increase in permissible density.

Industrial areas, too, could see changes. For plots up to one acre, the residential component is proposed to nearly double the existing limit, while for larger plots, it may go up to 2.5% FAR, a substantial jump from current norms.

Another key proposal involves expanding mixed land use (MLU) zones to create high-density corridors combining residential, commercial and institutional spaces. The Vikas Marg corridor is at the centre of this plan, with large reserved stretches on either side likely to be opened up for mixed-use, high-rise development.

Officials said the upcoming audit would provide a “scientific basis” to determine how much additional construction and population different areas can sustain. The consultant’s report is expected to play a decisive role before the Administration finalises and notifies the Master Plan amendments.