Game-changer for Chandigarh: Mayor Joshi proposes landmark exchange program with Mumbai

Chandigarh, 04.05.26-–Mumbai partnership advances focus on elevated walkways, student support, and urban knowledge exchange

Chandigarh, May 4:- In a major step towards strengthening inter-city collaboration and sustainable urban development, Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Mayor of Chandigarh, visited Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and held detailed discussions with Smt. Ritu Tawde, Mayor of Mumbai, along with senior officers and engineers. He was accompanied by MC Chief Engineer Sh. Sanjay Arora.

The visit prominently focused on the concept of elevated walkways and nature trails as a transformative urban intervention. It was proposed that elevated pedestrian pathways be developed within city parks, green belts, and select urban corridors, subject to technical feasibility. These structures would enable citizens to experience greenery from an elevated perspective while protecting ground-level vegetation and minimizing ecological disturbance.

Such elevated walkways are envisioned to enhance safe pedestrian movement, promote eco-sensitive recreation, improve accessibility to green spaces, and support climate-resilient urban planning. The initiative reflects a progressive approach towards integrating mobility with green infrastructure.

In addition, the Mayor proposed the establishment of a Student Support Helpline/Facilitation Desk in coordination with BMC to assist students from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and other northern states residing in Mumbai. The initiative aims to provide guidance on civic services, transport systems, safety awareness, accommodation linkages, academic networks, and community integration, thereby helping students adapt more confidently to a new urban environment.

A key outcome of the visit was also the emphasis on structured knowledge sharing between civic bodies. The Mayor proposed an Inter-Corporation Professional Exchange Programme between Chandigarh and BMC to facilitate continuous learning and adoption of best practices. This initiative will include technical study visits, joint workshops, and exchange of domain experts across sectors such as urban infrastructure, water supply, sewerage, storm water management, solid waste management, public health, e-governance, and PPP models.

During the interaction, officers of BMC made detailed technical presentations showcasing their initiatives, including scientific road recarpeting systems, advanced storm water drainage solutions, standardized lux levels for street lighting, and SCADA-based water supply management.

Mayor Joshi appreciated the innovative approaches adopted by BMC and emphasized that the combined focus on elevated walkways, student support systems, and institutional knowledge exchange will significantly enhance urban livability, service delivery, and citizen-centric governance in Chandigarh.

=========================================

MC Chandigarh to hold facilitation camps for Street Vendors across city

Chandigarh, May 4:- The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh will organise a series of Vendor Facilitation Camps across various sectors and areas of the city to assist and streamline services for street vendors.

These camps are being organized under the supervision of the Joint Commissioner and aim to provide on-ground support, guidance, and facilitation to street vendors in their respective zones. The initiative is part of MCC’s continued efforts to promote organized vending, ensure compliance with regulations, and improve livelihood opportunities for vendors.

A team of senior officials, including Executive Engineers (Public Health, Roads, Electrical), Enforcement Wing representatives and Sanitary Inspectors from the MOH Wing, along with Vendor Cell officials, will be present at each location to address concerns and provide assistance.

Camp Schedule Highlights:

* May 5, 2026: Sector 15 (11:00 AM), Dhanas (12:30 PM)

* May 7, 2026: Sector 22 (11:00 AM), Sector 23 (12:30 PM)

* May 12, 2026: Sector 19 (11:00 AM), Sector 44 (12:30 PM)

* May 14, 2026: Sector 46 (11:00 AM), Sector 38 (12:30 PM)

* May 19, 2026: Sector 39 (11:00 AM), Sector 40 (12:30 PM)

* May 21, 2026: Sector 23 (11:00 AM), Sector 32 (12:30 PM)

* May 26, 2026: Sector 42 (11:00 AM), Sector 41 (12:30 PM)

* May 28, 2026: Sector 28 (11:00 AM), Sector 48 (12:30 PM)

* June 2, 2026: Maloya (11:00 AM), IT Park (12:30 PM)

* June 4, 2026: Manimajra (11:00 AM), Modern Housing Complex, Manimajra (12:30 PM)

The Municipal Corporation has urged all street vendors to actively participate in these camps to resolve their issues, complete necessary formalities, and benefit from the services provided.

MCC also appeals to citizens to support this initiative, which aims to create a more organized, hygienic, and regulated vending environment across Chandigarh.