Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today conducted an extensive inspection of major traffic junctions, roundabouts and public spaces across Chandigarh to assess the city's infrastructure, aesthetics and preparedness in view of the proposed Asian Relay Athletics Championships 2027. During the visit, the Governor inspected prominent locations including TPT Junction, Tribune Chowk, Boundary U-Turn, JW Marriott Junction, Matka Chowk and Hira Singh Chowk.
Senior officers including Sh. V.P. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor Punjab; Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary Engineering; Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner; Sh. Saurabh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forest and other officials from the Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation, Engineering Department and other concerned agencies accompanied the Administrator during the inspection.
Emphasizing Chandigarh's unique identity as a planned city and its reputation as one of the country's most beautiful urban centres, Shri Kataria directed officials to undertake a comprehensive beautification drive at all important junctions, roundabouts, road corridors and public spaces. He stressed that the city should present a world-class appearance and reflect its rich heritage, cleanliness and civic pride.
The Administrator instructed the concerned departments to prepare and implement a time-bound action plan for landscaping, horticultural enhancement, maintenance of green belts, installation of decorative lighting, improvement of signage, repair and painting of public infrastructure, and upkeep of traffic islands and roundabouts.
He also called for special attention towards cleanliness, road markings, pedestrian facilities and removal of visual clutter. Shri Kataria observed that Chandigarh is expected to host significant events and receive visitors from across the country and abroad in connection with the **Asian Relay Athletics Championships 2027**.
Therefore, every effort must be made to further enhance the city's beauty and urban environment. He directed officials to ensure close coordination among all departments so that the beautification works are completed well in advance.
The Governor further emphasized that the beautification initiative should not be limited to cosmetic improvements alone but should also focus on long-term maintenance, sustainability and public convenience. He asked officials to explore innovative urban design elements, public art installations and environment-friendly measures that can further enrich the city's landscape.
Reiterating his commitment to maintaining Chandigarh's status as a model city, Shri Kataria directed the concerned officials to take all necessary steps for the timely execution of the proposed works and regularly monitor their progress.
Senior officers assured the Governor that the directions issued during the inspection would be implemented on priority and a detailed action plan would be prepared for the comprehensive beautification of the identified locations.