Chandigarh, March 13:-The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today reaffirmed the importance of citizen-centric planning in shaping the cities of the future. Addressing the Urban Innovation Summit, he emphasized that urban development should focus on enhancing the well-being, convenience and overall quality of life of citizens through balanced, sustainable and inclusive planning.

The Administrator noted that well-planned cities can become vibrant, inclusive and livable spaces where residents enjoy easy access to essential services, community facilities and a healthy environment. He underlined that thoughtful planning, strong infrastructure and sustainable policies play a key role in building future-ready cities that create opportunities and improve everyday life.

Highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration in urban governance, Shri Kataria described the summit as a valuable platform that brings together policymakers, industry leaders and urban planners to exchange ideas and develop solutions for smart, sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Shri Kataria further observed that modern cities must focus on the happiness, well-being and convenience of citizens to ensure that development remains people-oriented. Emphasizing citizen-focused governance, the he highlighted the importance of accessible civic facilities, vibrant community spaces and people-friendly urban design that promote social interaction and strengthen community life, making cities more livable for residents while also enhancing their appeal as welcoming and vibrant destinations for tourists.

The summit was jointly organised by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and Elets Technomedia, and witnessed participation from over 150 delegates and more than 30 speakers, including policymakers, urban planners, technology leaders and governance experts from across the country. The programme commenced with a Nukkad Natak by the Municipal Corporation highlighting civic awareness and citizen participation, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting and the National Song.

Welcoming the delegates, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, said that cities today are engines of economic growth and innovation. He noted that India’s urban population is expected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030 and contribute close to 70 percent of the country’s GDP. He added that the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh is actively integrating digital technologies in civic administration and has already implemented the first phase of smart parking systems, while the second phase is expected to roll out soon.

In his address, Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Mayor of Chandigarh, emphasised that as India moves towards becoming a developed nation, cities must evolve into smarter, greener and more inclusive spaces. He stated that future cities should remain citizen-centric, environmentally responsible and technologically empowered, and highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, industry and citizens in shaping sustainable urban ecosystems.

The summit featured several policy dialogues, industry presentations and panel discussions focusing on digital governance, cybersecurity, sustainable infrastructure and innovations in urban services such as water management, waste processing and sanitation. Experts from government departments, academia and the technology sector shared insights on building resilient infrastructure, leveraging data-driven governance and promoting sustainable urban growth.

The Urban Innovation Summit 2026 concluded with a shared commitment among policymakers, civic authorities and industry leaders to strengthen innovation, sustainability and citizen-centric governance in order to build smarter, resilient and future-ready cities across India.