Chandigarh emerging as regional hub: Rodrigues

Chandigarh, Aug 14 (UNI) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gen (Rtd) S F Rodrigues today said that to boost the economic growth of the region, Chandigarh is being upgraded as a regional hub.

There has been a marked improvement in the infrastructure development of both urban and rural areas with an efficient support infrastructure in the areas of agriculture, service industry, education, health and information technology, Gen Rodrigues said in his message on the eve of 62nd Independence Day.

"Chandigarh should not be viewed in the context of a city of one million, but that of a vibrant region, with a population of over six crores. This Capital City offers an excellent quality of life, combined with a very good physical and social infrastructure, he stressed.

"We are on the fast track and striving hard to change the face of Punjab and the UT, which are both throbbing with life and hope.

Striking advancements have been witnessed, in all spheres of development," he said.

"Besides strengthening the infrastructure and increasing number of flights from Chandigarh Airport, the process of setting up an international airport is on the fast track. Rail and bus connectivity is being further strengthened and the Mass Rapid Transport System is in the stage of advanced planning, covering satellite towns of adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh." The city administration is also developing Chandigarh as an export centre, by setting up a terminal market for fruit and vegetables for the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Himachal, Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh and North Haryana, thus contributing towards the prosperity of the people.

Besides a world-class Information Technology Park, other major projects like Education City, Medicity, Theme and Amusement Park, Equesterian Academy, Aquatic Park and a chain of gardens and parks were coming up in the City Beautiful, the UT administrator said.

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