Mayor Seeks Commercial Space in Chandigarh Parking Projects

April 25, 2026

Chandigarh: To address the escalating parking crisis in Chandigarh, the Municipal Corporation is preparing to demolish the dilapidated underground parking facilities in Sectors 17 and 8 and replace them with modern multi-level parking complexes. In this regard, Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi has now written a letter to the Chief Secretary.

Benefits for the Corporation

In his letter, the Mayor stated that integrating retail shops into these parking projects would yield significant benefits for the Municipal Corporation. Such a move would boost the Corporation’s revenue, ensure a more efficient use of available land and provide the public with the convenience of having both parking and shopping facilities available at a single location. The Mayor has urged the Chief Secretary to issue directives to the Chief Architect to prepare revised blueprints for these projects, explicitly incorporating provisions for commercial spaces.

— By the Mayor of Chandigarh

Suggestions Submitted to the Administration

On behalf of the Municipal Corporation, a parking facility with a capacity for 248 cars is currently being constructed in Sector 17 (near the MOH office). Similarly, plans are underway to construct parking facilities near the BSNL Exchange accommodating 109 cars and 82 two-wheelers and on Madhya Marg in Sector 8, with a capacity for 190 cars and 113 two-wheelers. Furthermore, a proposal has been put forward to convert the existing parking lot located opposite Elante Mall in the Industrial Area into a multi-level facility that also incorporates commercial spaces.

Parking Facilities Closed Following IIT Audit

These parking sites, which are approximately 50 years old, were shut down following a structural audit conducted by IIT Roorkee. The audit report revealed serious structural deficiencies; consequently, a decision was taken to completely demolish the existing structures and undertake fresh construction from scratch, rather than attempting repairs.