Chandigarh: Chandigarh’s industrial areas may be in for a major makeover, with Master Plan amendments unlocking more construction within existing plots and mixed-use development in Phase III. A new industrial policy is also in the works, with a focus on financial incentives and utility concessions, while possible freehold conversion could spur investment. The expansion, however, will test infrastructure capacity. Chandigarh heritage conservation committee (CHCC) approved the Master Plan amendments on Thursday.More construction within existing plotsThe immediate impact of the Master Plan amendments would be in Industrial Areas I and II, where the proposed floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.0 and ground coverage of 60% would allow industrial units to build more within their existing plots.For businesses constrained by space, this could mean additional room for production, storage, offices, internal circulation and parking without having to acquire another plot. Plots of up to two kanal would be permitted a maximum building height of 68 feet and 3 inches.Enhanced FAR would apply under both zoning and architectural-control arrangements, giving owners greater flexibility while redeveloping their premises. Plots of up to two kanal, which were earlier restricted to architectural controls, would also be allowed to choose between zoning provisions and architectural controls.This could be significant for older industrial units, many of which operate from premises designed for an earlier generation of manufacturing and storage requirements. The additional construction potential could allow them to reconfigure buildings, expand operations or create more efficient workplace and storage spaces within existing holdings.Phase III could see wider transformationThe more far-reaching proposal concerns Industrial Area Phase III, where underutilised land, including areas earmarked for warehousing, stock depots and reserved vacant pockets, has been identified for possible mixed-use development.The proposed uses include residential, commercial, institutional, cultural and recreational activities. If implemented, this could change the character of parts of Phase III from predominantly industrial pockets to areas with a broader mix of economic and urban activity.The move could also bring services and facilities to land that has remained underused. At the same time, greater development could mean more traffic, parking demand and pressure on civic services.The amendments envisage comprehensive studies, impact assessments and preparation of zoning plans before such development. Roads and utilities are proposed to be augmented in phases, with provisions including effluent treatment plants and public parking.New industrial policy to bring incentivesThe UT administration is also finalising a new industrial policy aimed at supporting existing units and attracting new enterprises.“It will include a dedicated industrial incentive fund to support subsidies and fiscal schemes. Industrial units could also receive partial reimbursement for expenses related to mandatory technical approvals, export licences and quality or food testing,” said a senior UT official.The administration plans concessions in electricity charges, govt fees and statutory levies, besides rebates for installing rooftop solar power systems.MSMEs are expected to receive particular attention through technology-upgradation programmes, including support under the Centre’s Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme.Startup support and ownership change“The Chandigarh Startup Policy proposes around Rs 50 crore over five years in financial support for startups operating in the city’s industrial areas, with an initial Rs 2 crore reportedly disbursed. The assistance is intended to help new enterprises meet early-stage funding requirements,” said Nishant Kumar Yadav, deputy commissioner and secretary, Industry.Besides, the proposed conversion of industrial and commercial properties from leasehold to freehold could provide greater ownership security and potentially influence decisions on investment, expansion and redevelopment. The actual impact, however, will depend on the final policy, eligibility criteria and implementation.
