Chandigarh to get Rs 100-cr tourism makeover

An important stopover for tourists on their way to Himachal Pradesh, the administration is now preparing to make the city a “must-visit” tourism destination.

For the first time, the UT Administration has prepared a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan with a cost of over

Rs 100 crore, with the aim of developing the city as a “must-visit” destination while preserving its unique architectural and cultural character.

Prepared by a consultant appointed by the Central Government, the plan has received administrative approval. The funding of the project, which has been submitted to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will be supported by the Centre under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

According to officials, the master plan outlines several high-value projects designed to enhance the city’s tourism potential, improve visitor experience and highlight Chandigarh’s modernist heritage. The administration also plans to promote the city as a Bollywood shooting destination, with a single-window clearance system already in place to facilitate film productions.

Among the flagship projects proposed under the new plan are:

Concert-cum-Exhibition Centre in Sarangpur (Rs 40 crore):

Spread over 25 acres, this state-of-the-art venue will be capable of hosting events for 30,000–35,000 people. The project includes provisions for a multi-level parking facility to manage large crowds.

Digital Museum in Sector 18 (Rs 20 crore): It will be the city’s first fully digital, technology-based museum, featuring immersive AR and VR experiences to showcase the city’s history, design and cultural essence.

Natural History Museum in Sector 10 (Rs 35 crore): Located within the existing Museum and Art Gallery complex, the new facility will narrate the story of human evolution using interactive exhibits and modern display technology.

In addition to these major projects, the administration is also working on developing sports and health tourism infrastructure, capitalising on Chandigarh’s green environment and growing wellness industry.

25% growth in tourist arrival

Chandigarh has witnessed a noticeable rise in tourist arrivals this year. According to the Tourism Department’s data, 5,97,983 tourists visited the city in the first six months of 2025, compared to 4,77,565 visitors during the same period in 2024 — marking a growth of over 25%.

In 2024, Chandigarh recorded a total of 10.37 lakh visitors, including 9.98 lakh domestic and 39,058 foreign tourists. Between January and June 2025, the city has already welcomed 5.76 lakh domestic and 21,040 foreign tourists.

The master plan’s focus is not only on increasing tourist numbers but also encouraging longer stays, offering a blend of cultural, technological and eco-friendly experiences that reflect the city’s modern spirit.

With renewed focus on creative tourism projects, Chandigarh is gearing up to redefine its image—from a transit city to a vibrant standalone tourist destination.