Punjab’s High-Rise Gambit: Will 17.5m Buildings Crush City Infrastructure?
Punjab is poised to allow the construction of stilt-plus-four-story buildings in residential areas, a move that will see building heights increase to 17.5 meters on wider roads. This decision, announced on July 30, 2025, has sparked considerable debate.
The proposed increase in building heights raises serious concerns about the impact on existing infrastructure, particularly in already congested areas. Many cities across Punjab are grappling with inadequate waste management, overflowing sewage systems, and acute parking shortages.
Critics argue that this plan could exacerbate these pre-existing problems, potentially leading to further strain on essential services. They are demanding comprehensive infrastructure audits before any such policy is implemented.
The sale of parking spaces, another aspect of the proposed plan, has also drawn strong opposition. Critics argue this will only further limit public parking availability and worsen traffic congestion.
The Punjab government needs to carefully consider the potential consequences of this ambitious plan. A failure to adequately address the infrastructure concerns could lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life for residents, particularly in densely populated urban areas. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this policy benefits or burdens Punjab’s cities.
