Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Tricity region on 17 July 2026, bringing one of the biggest infrastructure announcements in recent years for Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Zirakpur, Dhakoli, Baltana, Kharar, IT City, Aerocity, and surrounding areas. During his approximately 45-minute programme at Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Sector 12, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for healthcare, education, and road infrastructure projects worth over ₹6,600 crore.
For residents of Dhakoli, Zirakpur, Baltana, Panchkula, and Mohali, the biggest takeaway from today’s visit is the promise of better roads, reduced traffic congestion, and improved healthcare facilities that will benefit the entire Tricity region.
PM Modi’s Chandigarh Schedule at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Around 1:45 PM at Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh |
| Venue | Punjab Engineering College, Sector 12 |
| Duration | Around 45 minutes |
| Major Announcements | Healthcare, Education & Road Infrastructure |
| Total Project Value | Over ₹6,600 Crore |
| Departure | Around 2:35 PM towards Punjab programme |
Tight Security Across Chandigarh and Tricity
As expected during a Prime Ministerial visit, security arrangements were extensive across Chandigarh and neighbouring districts. Multiple roads around PEC, Sector 12, remained under controlled movement for several hours.
Security agencies coordinated with Chandigarh Police and nearby district authorities to ensure smooth movement of the Prime Minister’s convoy. Residents travelling through Madhya Marg, PGI Chowk, Punjab University, Sector 11, Sector 12, Rajindra Park Helipad, and nearby roads experienced temporary traffic diversions. Authorities had advised commuters to avoid the PEC route until around 3 PM.
Biggest Highlight for Tricity Residents | Zirakpur Greenfield Bypass
One of today’s biggest announcements was the foundation stone of the 19.2 km six-lane Zirakpur Greenfield Bypass.
This project is expected to significantly reduce congestion on one of North India’s busiest traffic corridors connecting:
- Zirakpur
- Panchkula
- Chandigarh
- Baltana
- Dhakoli
- Airport Road
- Patiala Highway
Every day, thousands of vehicles travelling between Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir currently pass through the Tricity, creating heavy congestion around Zirakpur and Panchkula. Once completed, the bypass will divert through traffic away from city roads, reducing travel time and improving safety.
IT City to Kurali Highway Officially Inaugurated
Another major milestone was the inauguration of the 31.23 km six-lane IT City–Kurali Greenfield Highway.
This highway will directly benefit commuters travelling from:
- Mohali
- IT City
- Kharar
- Kurali
- Chandigarh
- Panchkula
Officials estimate that the project can reduce travel time by up to 45 minutes while improving freight movement and regional connectivity.
Major Healthcare Projects for PGIMER
Healthcare also received a major boost during the visit.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated:
- Advanced Mother & Child Centre
- Advanced Neurosciences Centre
He also laid the foundation stone for a new 150-bed Critical Care Block under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
These facilities are expected to improve emergency care, neurological treatment, maternal healthcare, and critical care services for patients from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Boost for Punjab Engineering College
Education infrastructure also received attention during the programme.
Projects announced at PEC included:
- New Research Scholars’ Hostel
- Kurukshetra Boys Hostel & Mess
- Additional educational infrastructure
These developments are expected to strengthen research facilities and improve accommodation for students.
How Dhakoli, Zirakpur and Baltana Will Benefit
For residents of Dhakoli, today’s announcements are especially significant.
Daily commuters often face long traffic queues around:
- Zirakpur Flyover
- Baltana Lights
- Panchkula Barrier
- Airport Chowk
- Tribune Chowk
- IT City Road
- Kharar Road
The new road projects aim to shift long-distance vehicles away from local roads, making travel smoother for residents commuting to Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, or the airport. Businesses in Dhakoli, Baltana, and Zirakpur could also benefit from better regional connectivity and improved logistics.
Why These Projects Matter
The combined infrastructure package is expected to:
- Improve connectivity across the Tricity
- Reduce travel time on key routes
- Ease congestion in Zirakpur and Panchkula
- Strengthen healthcare services at PGIMER
- Enhance educational infrastructure
- Improve logistics and freight movement
- Support future economic growth in the region
Key Projects Announced in Chandigarh
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Advanced Mother & Child Centre, PGIMER | Inaugurated |
| Advanced Neurosciences Centre | Inaugurated |
| 150-bed Critical Care Block | Foundation Stone |
| IT City–Kurali Greenfield Highway | Inaugurated |
| Zirakpur Greenfield Bypass | Foundation Stone |
| PEC Research Scholars Hostel | Foundation Stone |
| Kurukshetra Boys Hostel & Mess | Inaugurated |
A Landmark Day for Tricity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit marks one of the largest infrastructure pushes for the Chandigarh region in recent years. With investments exceeding ₹6,600 crore in Chandigarh alone, the projects announced today are expected to reshape transportation, healthcare, and education across Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Zirakpur, Dhakoli, Baltana, Kharar, and nearby areas.
For residents and businesses alike, these developments promise improved connectivity, better public services, and stronger regional growth over the coming years.