The Chandigarh administration is considering its next steps after the Punjab and Haryana High Court stopped the construction of the proposed Tribune Chowk flyover. The project, which was planned to reduce traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest intersections, has now been put on hold following a major court ruling.
Senior officials said the administration is seeking legal advice to decide whether it should challenge the High Court’s order. At the same time, authorities are also studying other possible solutions to manage traffic at Tribune Chowk, including options suggested by the court.
The Tribune Chowk flyover has been one of Chandigarh’s most discussed infrastructure projects for several years. The junction serves as a major entry point into the city and handles traffic coming from Zirakpur, Panchkula, Delhi and nearby areas. Thousands of vehicles pass through the intersection every day, leading to long traffic jams during peak hours.
The flyover was first proposed around 2016 as part of a larger plan to create a signal-free traffic corridor in Chandigarh. Officials believed the project would help reduce travel time and improve traffic flow. However, the project soon faced opposition from environmental groups, urban planners and residents who raised concerns about its impact on the city's unique design and green spaces.
The issue eventually reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where the project was challenged through a public interest litigation (PIL). Petitioners argued that the flyover violated the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 and could damage the city’s carefully planned urban structure.
In its recent judgment, the High Court ruled that the proposed flyover could not be constructed because it was not permitted under the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031. The court made it clear that the master plan is a legally binding document and must be followed by all authorities.
The judges highlighted Chandigarh’s special status as one of India’s best-planned cities. Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, the city was built with a unique vision that focused not only on roads and buildings but also on green spaces, public areas and non-motorised transportation.
According to the court, preserving these original planning principles is extremely important. The judges observed that Chandigarh was not designed primarily for motor vehicles but aimed to maintain a balance between transportation, open spaces and environmental sustainability.
The court expressed concern that constructing flyovers could alter the city's character and affect its heritage value. It stressed that development projects should not compromise the planning principles on which Chandigarh was built.
The ruling also noted that while the flyover proposal was not acceptable under the master plan, alternative solutions could still be explored. One such option is the construction of an underpass, which the court suggested could help reduce traffic congestion without affecting the city's planned landscape.
Environmental concerns also played a major role in the case. Earlier this year, the High Court had temporarily stopped the cutting of trees at Tribune Chowk. Several decades-old trees were scheduled to be removed to make way for the project.
Petitioners argued that large-scale tree cutting would damage Chandigarh’s green cover and go against environmental protections included in the master plan. The court’s earlier order had already delayed preliminary work on the project before the final judgment brought construction plans to a complete stop.
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The High Court’s decision has left the Chandigarh administration with several important choices. Officials are now reviewing legal opinions to determine whether the order can be challenged in a higher court.
At the same time, authorities are examining alternative traffic management solutions that comply with the court’s directions. An underpass is being considered as one possible option because it may provide traffic relief while preserving the city’s visual character and green spaces.
The decision is significant because Tribune Chowk has long been known as one of Chandigarh’s busiest and most congested traffic intersections. Commuters travelling between Chandigarh, Panchkula, Zirakpur and Mohali often face long delays, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Supporters of the flyover project argued that it was a practical solution to growing traffic problems. They maintained that increasing vehicle numbers required major infrastructure upgrades and that the flyover would improve connectivity and reduce travel time.
However, critics believed that flyovers often shift traffic congestion from one location to another rather than solving the problem permanently. They also argued that such projects could encourage more vehicle use instead of promoting sustainable transportation.
Another factor adding importance to the issue is the rising cost of the project. When first proposed, the estimated cost of the flyover was around ₹137 crore. Over the years, delays, planning changes and inflation increased the expected cost to nearly ₹200 crore.
The court’s ruling could also affect other infrastructure projects planned in Chandigarh. Urban planners and legal experts believe that future projects will now face closer scrutiny to ensure they comply with the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031.
One project that may come under attention is the proposed elevated corridor connecting the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) with Sarangpur and New Chandigarh. Since it also involves elevated road construction, it could face similar legal and planning questions.
For now, the Chandigarh administration must decide whether to continue the legal fight or redesign its traffic improvement plans. The outcome will not only shape the future of Tribune Chowk but may also influence how development projects are planned across the city in the coming years.
The debate has highlighted a larger challenge faced by many growing cities: finding a balance between modern infrastructure needs and the preservation of heritage, environment and urban planning principles. Chandigarh’s next move will likely set an important example for future development projects across the country.
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