Chandigarh Mayor Showcases “City Beautiful” Vision at Asia Pacific Cities Summit 2025 in Dubai

The Voice of Chandigarh :

Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla delivered a powerful and visionary address at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) 2025 in Dubai, highlighting Chandigarh’s transformation into a smart, sustainable, and innovation-driven city while preserving its timeless identity as the “City Beautiful.”

Representing India on a global platform, the Mayor emphasized Chandigarh’s distinctive urban planning legacy envisioned by architect Le Corbusier, calling it a model of modernity and human-centered design that continues to inspire cities worldwide.

“Chandigarh’s true strength lies in its balance — a city where professionals can build their careers without sacrificing quality of life,” the Mayor stated, underscoring the city’s growing competitiveness in the global IT and innovation ecosystem.

The Mayor outlined the city’s multi-dimensional development strategy, which focuses on:

• Social and Cultural Vibrancy

• Education and Healthcare Strengthening

• Smart City Initiatives in traffic, waste, and public safety

• Entrepreneurial Growth under the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025

Under the Startup Policy, Chandigarh has witnessed a surge of over 500 new ventures within six months, supported by government incentives and infrastructure for innovation.

The Mayor also detailed recent urban advancements, noting an investment of ₹2,700 crore in infrastructure modernization — including over 200 kilometers of upgraded roads, improved water and sewage networks, and secure housing solutions for thousands of families.

“Our vision is clear — a city powered by clean and renewable energy, governed through transparent digital platforms, and driven by artificial intelligence for efficient and inclusive services,” the Mayor said.

Ranked among India’s top-performing cities in environmental sustainability with a score of 89.09 on the State of India’s Environment Index, Chandigarh was presented as a beacon of green growth and urban excellence.

The Mayor further highlighted Chandigarh’s commitment to technological leadership, hybrid economic models, and citizen-centered governance, noting that these pillars will define the success of future cities.

Concluding the address, the Mayor remarked:

“The future is not something we wait for — it is something we create. Chandigarh is ready to lead this transformation as a city that is smart, sustainable, and deeply human.”

The speech was met with wide appreciation from international delegates and city leaders, reinforcing Chandigarh’s image as a global symbol of visionary urban development and inclusive progress.