30 March 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : In one of the most ambitious urban development initiatives in its history, the Punjab government has launched a massive land acquisition drive covering 11,103 acres across Greater Mohali and New Chandigarh. The move is aimed at transforming the region into a modern, self-sustained urban hub with world-class infrastructure, industrial zones, and residential townships.
The large-scale acquisition is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chandigarh and position Mohali and New Chandigarh as independent economic and commercial centers. Officials say the project will significantly boost infrastructure, attract investments, and support long-term urban growth in Punjab.
According to the plan, the government intends to develop seven new townships, seven new sectors, and multiple urban clusters, including a major Aerotropolis near the Chandigarh International Airport. In addition, a new commercial city centre is proposed in Sector 87, Mohali, designed on the lines of Chandigarh’s iconic Sector 17.
The project also includes eco-friendly townships, industrial parks, high-density residential zones, and a large network of roads spanning over 1,240 acres. These roads are expected to improve connectivity across Mohali and New Chandigarh, easing traffic congestion and enhancing accessibility for residents and businesses.
A significant portion of the development is focused on the Aerotropolis project, which is being positioned as a major commercial and logistics hub. Several blocks of this project, covering over 1,600 acres in Mohali, have already reached advanced stages of land acquisition. Similarly, Eco City-3 in New Chandigarh, spread across more than 700 acres, is also progressing rapidly.
Compensation for landowners is a key aspect of the project. Reports indicate that compensation awards for some areas have crossed ₹19 crore per acre, reflecting the high value of land in the region and the government’s effort to ensure fair payment under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has described the initiative as a “new urban renaissance” for the state. The vision is to create a modern city ecosystem where people can live, work, and access services without relying on neighboring Chandigarh. The development of Sector 87 as a commercial hub and the expansion of Aerotropolis are expected to serve as key economic drivers.
However, the ambitious plan is not without challenges. Land acquisition in Punjab has historically faced resistance from farmers and landowners. In recent developments, protests have already emerged in parts of Mohali where land is being acquired for Aerotropolis expansion. Farmers have raised concerns over compensation, displacement, and the loss of agricultural land.
The government has stated that rehabilitation and resettlement measures are part of the plan. Affected families are being offered compensation packages, annuity options, and additional support for livelihood loss. Authorities have also assured that residential structures in village abadi areas will largely be protected, while alternative plots will be provided in developed sectors where required.
Urban planners view the project as a critical step toward planned development in a region that has seen rapid but uneven growth in recent years. Mohali, in particular, has witnessed a surge in real estate activity, IT parks, and industrial development, but infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. The new plan aims to address these gaps by creating integrated townships with modern amenities, better road networks, and sustainable urban planning.
The infrastructure push is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities in construction, real estate, logistics, and services. With the Aerotropolis project and industrial parks, the region could emerge as a major economic hub in North India, attracting both domestic and international investment.
At the same time, experts caution that execution will be key. Large-scale land acquisition projects often face delays due to legal challenges, environmental clearances, and stakeholder opposition. Ensuring transparency, timely compensation, and community engagement will be crucial for the success of the initiative.
The project aligns with Punjab’s broader vision of strengthening its urban infrastructure and boosting economic growth. Similar land acquisition efforts in the past, including projects for roads and industrial sectors, have laid the groundwork for this larger expansion plan.
If implemented successfully, the 11,103-acre acquisition could redefine the urban landscape of Mohali and New Chandigarh, making them among the most developed and well-planned regions in the country. However, balancing development with social and environmental concerns will remain a critical challenge for the government in the coming months.
Summary
Punjab plans to acquire 11,103 acres in Mohali and New Chandigarh for massive urban expansion, boosting infrastructure, industry, and housing, though farmer protests and execution challenges remain key concerns.