What is Tricity: How Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula are Gaining Significance!
- Tricity Realty
- Feb 10
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 12
Chandigarh Tricity refers to the collective urban expanse formed by three major cities in India: Chandigarh, Mohali (in Punjab), and Panchkula (in Haryana).
These three cities, though administratively distinct, function as a single metropolitan region due to their seamless connectivity and shared infrastructure.
But that is just scratching the surface.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Tricity and see how it’s developing into a significant commercial, industrial, and residential hub and the role Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula are playing in this development.
We begin our journey with an obvious query.
Which Cities Come Under Tricity?
As we saw at the beginning, Tricity is a culmination of the cities of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panckhula.
But to understand the significance of Tricity even further, we need to learn more about these cities. Let’s get started:
1. Chandigarh
Chandigarh is the capital city of both Punjab and Haryana and a union territory that serves as the nucleus of Tricity.
What many people may or may not know is that it’s also the first planned city of India.
It was designed by Le Corbusier, a renowned Swiss-French architect, and was created shortly after India gained independence in 1947.
Over the years, it has grown into a large metropolitan city, thanks in part to the development of neighbouring Mohali and Panchkula (more on that later).
The development has been so immense that it has one of the highest per capita incomes in India, making it a prime location for commerce and high standard of living.
2. Mohali
Just like Chandigarh, Mohali is also a planned city sharing a similar city plan.
It’s officially named Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar and is quickly emerging as an IT, industrial, and sports hub in Punjab.
But most importantly, it’s also becoming one of India’s finest real estate hubs too.
From premium real estate developments like Barqat coming up in Zirakpur to Noble Callista in Sector 66.
Mohali is becoming a home to amazing real estate purchase and investment opportunities. This city is also considered one of the cleanest in Punjab and Haryana.
3. Panchkula
The final city in Tricity is Panchkula. It is located in Haryana and shares borders with the state of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Panchkula is a well-planned city with a mix of urban development and natural beauty developed by the state of Haryana in the 1970s.
It acts as a gateway to Himachal Pradesh and offers a quieter alternative to Chandigarh while still providing modern amenities.
It is also a premier employment hub with the presence of Panchkula IT Park while also being a tourist attraction with locations like Bhima Devi Temple Site Museum and Kaushalya Dam mesmerising tourists and residents of Panchkula alike.
While the cities that make up Tricity are good reasons why they’re shaping the landscape of India’s development, they’re not the only reason.
Let’s see some more reasons on…
What Makes Tricity Worth Exploring?
Here are the reasons why Tricity should be on your radar if you’re looking for a high standard of living in a very strategic location in India.
1. Real Estate Boom
The combined population of Tricity is over 2 million people. One of the main reasons for this is the ongoing real estate growth that’s attracting home owners and investors alike.
Projects like Griham Sivanta in New Chandigarh and Turnstone Medallion 68 in Mohali are some of the few upcoming developments that are turning Tricity into a prime real estate hub.
With competitive property rates and rental rates, if you’re looking to take advantage of India’s real estate market or move to a prime location with luxurious amenities, Tricity is the way to go.
2. Employment Opportunities
Chandigarh Tricity is a prime employment hub as well. Majority of employment comes from government jobs here.
And since the administrative offices of Punjab Government and Haryana Government are in the heart of Tricity (Chandigarh), it’s also called the Pensioner’s Paradise as the majority of its population consists of government employees and retired individuals who were working in government posts.
All the three cities (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula) have IT and employment parks that host on-campus and off-campus recruitment drives through premier educational institutions like Panjab University, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, and Punjab Engineering College (to name a few).
3. Recreational Spaces
Apart from real estate and employment, Tricity is also filled with several recreational locations that attract tourists and local residents alike.
In Chandigarh, few popular attractions include Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, The Rock Gardens, and Sukhna Lake.
In Mohali, you can check out Fateh Burj, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial, and Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani Museum.
If you’re visiting Panchkula, do not forget to check out Morni Hills, Pinjore Gardens, and The Garden of Silence.
Tricity is also full of premium restaurants and food outlets to satisfy your last minute cravings.
Not to mention, a very active nightlife due to the overall safety and security that various places in Tricity promise.
4. Top-Notch Healthcare Facilities
With a high standard of living, Tricity also excels in healthcare facilities.
Healthcare institutions like Government Multi Speciality Hospital in Chandigarh Sector 16 and Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital in Mohali are some of the many institutions that provide cutting-edge medical services.
With world-class hospitals like Amcare Hospital and Shri Ram Multispeciality Hospital & Ultrasound Center, Panchkula isn’t falling behind either.
If you’re in need of healthcare services, either during emergencies or when you need them, Tricity doesn’t disappoint.
5. Efficient Transport Network
If we have to describe Tricity in just one word, it would be “interconnected”.
One of the major reasons why Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula are famous is because of the excellent interconnectivity they share with each other and surrounding strategic locations.
Some of the prominent ways of travel and transport include Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport and Chandigarh Junction Railway Station, both situated in Mohali.
Along with that, popular roads like Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg make road travel between the cities of Tricity (and within prominent sectors of Chandigarh) really easy.
At this point, it’s safe to say that the current prospects of Tricity are looking really good. But it’s the future prospect that promises to take it to the next level. Let’s see how by exploring…
The Future of Tricity: Chandigarh Master Plan 2031
The Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 is a comprehensive blueprint designed to guide the city's future development with the goal of making the city a hub for sustainable growth and unique architectural heritage by the year 2031.
This comprehensive plan covers the entire Union Territory of Chandigarh, approximately 114 square kilometers and proposes various aspects to uplift its appeal, which includes urban planning, infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability plans.
Key Objectives
Sustainable Development: The plan emphasizes eco-friendly growth, aiming to balance urbanization with environmental conservation.
Infrastructure Enhancement: Upgrading essential services such as water supply, sewage systems, and electricity to meet future demands of population and real estate growth.
Housing: Provision of affordable and adequate housing for all socio-economic groups, with a focus on vertical expansion to accommodate the growing population.
Transportation: Development of a multimodal mass transport system, including metro rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and improved bus services, to enhance connectivity within the city and to neighboring cities of Mohali and Panchkula.
Heritage Conservation: Preservation of Chandigarh's architectural legacy while integrating modern urban planning principles to increase the tourism opportunities in Chandigarh (and by proxy, other places in the Tricity).
Land Use and Zoning
The city of Chandigarh is divided into distinct zones, each designated for specific functions. The plan proposes to add several improvement to each zone as follows:
Residential Zones: Focus on affordable housing and vertical expansion while simultaneously redeveloping old housing sectors while maintaining low-rise aesthetics.
Commercial Zones: Expand the integration of work, retail, and leisure spaces. Replan and develop commercial hubs in planned areas to reduce congestion.
Industrial Zones: Encourage the transition from heavy to light and eco-friendly industries. Retrofitting old industrial areas to meet sustainability standards.
Green and Recreation Zones: Addition of more urban parks, green belts, and eco-parks to enhance livability. Prevention of encroachment and pollution of Sukhna Lake and its surrounding areas.
Institutional and Public Zones: Increase in spending towards developing and improving educational and healthcare facilities. This includes an ambitious goal of making Chandigarh a knowledge hub with super-specialized centers for research.
Transportation Initiatives
A significant component of the master plan is the introduction of a multimodal mass transport system.
This includes the already approved Chandigarh Metro Rail for improved bus and railway connections, enhancing commuting options not only within the city but also facilitating convenient travel to nearby villages and towns.
Environmental Sustainability
A major portion of the Master Plan 2031 has to do with promoting green building practices.
This also includes modern waste management provisions and conservation of natural resources.
The objective is to create a sustainable urban environment for future generations while elevating standard of living.
Implementation and Monitoring
The Chandigarh Administration has taken responsibility for implementing the Master Plan 2031.
Continuous monitoring and periodic assessments are being carried out currently (and will be carried out in the coming years) to ensure that the Master Plan objectives are met and necessary adjustments are made in response to evolving urban dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Chandigarh called a Tricity?
Chandigarh has formed a closely linked metropolitan area with its neighboring cities, Mohali in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana.
This triad is collectively known as the Chandigarh Capital Region or Greater Chandigarh.
The seamless integration of these three cities in terms of infrastructure, economy, and culture has led to the popular designation of the area as "Tricity."
2. Is Zirakpur a part of Tricity?
Zirakpur, located in Punjab's Mohali district, is not officially part of the Tricity.
However, due to its rapid urbanization and strategic location along major highways, it is often considered an extension of the Tricity area.
Many individuals working in Chandigarh and Mohali choose to reside in Zirakpur, attracted by its affordable housing options and proximity to these cities.
3. What are the other tri-cities in India?
In addition to the well-known Chandigarh Tri-City, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, India has several other regions commonly referred to as "tri-cities." Notable examples include:
Noida-Ghaziabad Tricity: Consisting of Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, this region in Uttar Pradesh has seen rapid urbanization and infrastructural development, forming a contiguous urban area.
Bhilai-Raipur-Atal Nagar Tricity: Located in Chhattisgarh, this tri-city area includes the cities of Bhilai, Raipur, and Atal Nagar (formerly Naya Raipur). The cities are closely linked, with Raipur serving as the state capital, Bhilai as an industrial center, and Atal Nagar as a planned city aimed at decongesting Raipur.
Warangal Tricity: In Telangana, the cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Kazipet are collectively referred to as the Warangal Tri-City. These cities are interconnected and function as a unified urban entity fairly recognizable in South India.
Udupi Tricity: Comprising Udupi, Manipal, and Malpe in Karnataka, this region is known for its educational institutions, cultural heritage, and port activities.
Ranipet Tri-City: Another popular tricity located in Tamil Nadu, this region consists of Ranipet, Walajapet, and Arcot, known for their industrial activities and historical significance.
Conclusion
Chandigarh Tricity stands as a perfect blend of modern urbanization, economic prosperity, and sustainable growth.
The cities of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula offer prime real estate investment opportunities and luxurious amenities and facilities that makes Tricity a prime location for new homeowners and existing residents of the cities.
And with Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 in full swing, the growth opportunities in Tricity is projected to see an upward trajectory that will create even more opportunities for employment, real estate development, investments education and healthcare, and so much more
Simply put, Tricity continues to be one of India’s most promising metropolitan regions that just keeps on giving.
And with the right guidance, you can take full advantage of the perks it promises today and in the future.
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