Chandigarh Model: HC Slams Punjab, Haryana Roadside Chaos

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 10, 2025, praised Chandigarh’s planned markets as a solution to the escalating traffic woes plaguing the states’ highways. The court sharply criticised the unchecked proliferation of roadside shops, directly attributing them to the worsening congestion.

The judgment highlighted a stark reality: population growth has consistently outpaced traffic management improvements, rendering past efforts largely ineffective. This observation came in response to a long-standing petition, filed in 1998, that originally sought better traffic flow on the highways.

Lawyers representing the petitioners also argued for improved highway signage and better urban planning to alleviate the problem. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is concurrently undertaking a major project to relocate major roads away from city centres.

This ruling carries significant implications for urban planning across Punjab and Haryana. The need for proactive, Chandigarh-style market design and strict regulation of roadside businesses is now paramount to prevent further gridlock and ensure smoother traffic flow, directly impacting the daily lives of millions.