Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari led a transport sub-committee meeting, focusing on urban mobility issues, particularly paid parking in commercial and residential areas. The committee reviewed a pilot parking project in Sector 35 and discussed the potential for updating building bylaws to allow stilt parking, along with other transport-related matters. 

The committee also addressed the registration of auto-rickshaws, with 5,000 new registrations each in Punjab and Haryana. In addition, concerns about the city’s Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure were raised, particularly regarding vandalised and non-functional charging stations. The MP stressed the need for reliable and affordable EV infrastructure to support the transition to green transport. 

While considering various proposals, the chairman rejected the idea of a congestion tax on external vehicles, deeming it unsuitable for Indian conditions, in contrast to the model used in Central London. 

For public transport, the committee called for an immediate review of the tri-city grid system and ordered a feasibility study for its revival. The President of the Chandigarh Transportation Association highlighted the necessity for modernising transport areas. The chairman requested a site visit with key officials, including the UT SSP (Traffic) and chief engineers of both UT and MC. 

The committee also discussed the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), with the Urban Mobility Transport Authority (UMTA) planning to study metro systems in cities like Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, and Noida. The chairman emphasised the importance of long-term planning for the Tricity region and suggested that a metro system connecting Chandigarh, Mohali, New Chandigarh, and Panchkula would be crucial for economic growth. He recommended seeking grant-based funding from the Government of India for the Four City Metro project. 

(ET)