The tricity traffic tangle: Flow vs soul

Chandigarh, India's first planned city, was once synonymous with seamless mobility and well-ordered streets.

- Aashna Gakhar

Chandigarh, India's first planned city, was once synonymous with seamless mobility and well-ordered streets. However, in recent years, it has begun to mirror Delhi's traffic congestion, with long queues of vehicles, shrinking parking spaces and gridlocked roads.

Designed by Le Corbusier as a city that prioritised open spaces and smooth transport, Chandigarh now struggles under the weight of its own success. As its population and vehicle ownership surge, the city faces a crucial challenge: how to accommodate modern growth while retaining its essence.

The legal dispute over the Rock Garden, a cherished landmark created by Nek Chand, has further highlighted the tension between urban expansion and heritage preservation. A court directive to ease congestion in the area led to structural removals, sparking debates on how to modernise the city without erasing what makes it unique.

The city's struggle with traffic is not just about movement—it's about preserving its livability and identity.