Public notice regarding falling Veritical and Horizontal Roads in New Chandigarh Master Plan.

Overview

The Land Acquisition Collector, Urban Development Department, Punjab has issued a public notice regarding public hearings for proposed land acquisition for vertical and horizontal roads falling within the S.A.S. Nagar Master Plan. The hearings form part of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process under Section 5 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act, 2013).

Why Has This Notice Been Issued?

According to the notice, land is proposed to be acquired for the vertical and horizontal road network shown in the S.A.S. Nagar Master Plan. Before the acquisition process proceeds further, affected families and landowners are being given an opportunity to present their views as part of the Social Impact Assessment process. The hearings are to be conducted with participation from the:

• Land Acquisition Collector
• members of the university involved in the SIA process

Public Hearing Schedule

The notice contains a detailed 38-entry village-wise hearing schedule. The hearings shown in the notice run from: 21 April 2026 to 11 May 2026 Different villages were assigned separate hearing slots, generally at:

• 10:00 AM
• 12:30 PM
• 3:00 PM

The hearings were scheduled at the relevant Gurdwara Sahib locations mentioned against each village.

What Is a Section 5 Public Hearing?

A Section 5 public hearing is part of the Social Impact Assessment stage of land acquisition. It allows affected families to place their views on matters such as:

• impact on their land
• livelihood concerns
• access and connectivity
• effect on homes or other property
• existing land use
• community impacts
• other issues arising from the proposed acquisition

These representations can be considered while preparing the Social Impact Assessment report.

What Are the “Vertical and Horizontal Roads”?

The notice refers to roads forming part of the planned road network under the S.A.S. Nagar Master Plan. The proposed acquisition is therefore for land required along identified road alignments within the Master Plan area. However, the notice itself does not establish:

• that all the roads are under construction
• that construction tenders have been awarded
• that possession of all required land has been taken
• that road works have been completed

Land acquisition and road construction are separate stages.

Does This Mean the Land Has Been Acquired?

No. This notice relates to an early SIA/public-consultation stage. It does not mean that:

• final acquisition approval has been granted
• compensation has been determined
• an acquisition award has been announced
• possession has been taken

If the proposal proceeds, further statutory stages would still be required.

What Should Affected Landowners Check?

Landowners covered by the hearing schedule should verify:

• their village name
• their Khasra number
• whether their land falls within a proposed road alignment
• the exact area proposed for acquisition
• ownership and revenue records
• the relevant Master Plan/land plan
• the SIA documents
• subsequent land-acquisition notifications

A village being listed for a hearing does not mean that every land parcel in that village is proposed for acquisition.

What Happens Next?

After the public hearings, comments received from affected families can form part of the Social Impact Assessment. If the acquisition proceeds, the process may subsequently move through:

SIA → Expert Group Review → Section 8 consideration → Section 11 preliminary notification → objections → Section 19 declaration → claims → award → compensation → possession

Each stage requires separate statutory action.

Geography

New Chandigarh, located adjacent to Chandigarh in Punjab, is designed as a modern urban extension. This planned city aims to improve living standards through infrastructural upgrades while reducing congestion in densely populated Chandigarh.

Urban Layout

The layout of New Chandigarh is meticulously planned to ensure smooth traffic flow, integrating essential green spaces that enhance the urban environment. The city complements Chandigarh’s existing fabric, providing a distinct identity and improved amenities. Significant roads are being designed to facilitate better access to various sectors within New Chandigarh and its connection to Chandigarh. Current plans aim to enhance the network of vertical and horizontal roads to meet future demands as population growth continues in the region.

History and Development

The New Chandigarh Master Plan aims to transform the region into a well-planned urban hub, integrating multiple infrastructural projects, including vertical and horizontal roads. Historical developments illustrate a strong commitment to urban growth, facilitating residential and commercial spaces that support the Greater Mohali region.

Infrastructural Progress

Earlier phases included establishing basic utilities, public amenities, and primary infrastructural elements. This groundwork is crucial for the current focus on road infrastructure improvements. The transition from planning to implementation reflects GMADA's vision for sustainable urban growth, acknowledging the urgency to support the increasing population and demand for improved transport facilities. The ongoing developments in April 2026 related to the SIA reports on vertical and horizontal roads indicate a significant shift towards creating a more efficient urban transport system.

Significance

This notice marks a significant advancement in infrastructural development within New Chandigarh. The planned vertical and horizontal road developments are crucial for enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents.

Impact on Urban Environment

Integrating these roads within the broader infrastructure plan supports the area's growth and ensures seamless transitions into adjacent urban areas. This initiative aligns with GMADA's broader priorities, focused on enhancing community facilities and quality of life. Improved traffic management resulting from these developments is expected to alleviate congestion issues, creating a more efficient urban environment. Continuous evaluations through the associated SIA reports reflect GMADA's commitment to sustainable and responsible development, ensuring that community impacts are monitored and addressed. Community input during the planning stages provides critical insights into local needs and preferences.

Practical Details

• Notice Date : April 10, 2026
• Authority Contact: GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority)

For more information and complete details, click on “Open Original Document” to view the official source.