Himachal Pradesh Plans Two New Satellite Townships Near Chandigarh and Kangra

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The Himachal Pradesh government has unveiled plans to develop two new satellite townships in the state, aiming to provide modern residential and commercial spaces while promoting planned urban growth in the hilly region.

One township is proposed near Baddi-Sitlapur, close to the Punjab-Himachal border near Chandigarh, potentially to be named “Him Chandigarh.” The second township will be developed near Kangra and linked to the expansion of Kangra Airport. Private developers will construct high-rise residential buildings and shopping complexes within both townships.

Land Acquisition to Begin Soon

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the process of land acquisition for both townships has begun. “These townships will support the planned development of cities and provide modern residential and retail infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, where such facilities are scarce,” he said. The government already owns the majority of the land, mostly forested, and acquiring the remaining plots is expected to be straightforward. Sukhu emphasized that this is the state’s first attempt to develop townships along the lines of Gurugram and Noida. The land-pooling model will be used for acquisition, with parcels eventually auctioned to private developers.

A Third Township Also Under Consideration

The Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority will oversee the two township projects. According to officials, the government is also considering a third satellite township. Previously, the state had attempted to develop a township at Jathiya Devi, approximately 15 km from Shimla, in 2014, but protests from local villagers over acquisition of fertile agricultural land stalled the project.

Scale and Economic Impact

Each proposed township will cover roughly 12,500 acres, with about one-third of the required land yet to be acquired. Officials believe the land-pooling approach will resolve acquisition challenges. If successful, these townships could significantly aid the state, which faces debt and liquidity issues, by attracting private investment and generating economic activity.