Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple projects valued at over Rs 47 billion (bn), covering healthcare, education and road infrastructure in Chandigarh and nearby areas. He said this development would benefit not only the Union Territory but also adjoining states. The announcement took place on July 17 during a public gathering where he emphasised Chandigarh's role as a model of planned development. He described the city as known for planned development and improved lifestyle and medical facilities, and stated that the National Democratic Alliance government had prioritised its growth. He noted that advanced healthcare capacity at PGI Chandigarh was being expanded and said these upgrades would benefit hundreds of thousands of people across the region. He underlined Chandigarh's function as a regional hub connecting Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir for medical services. He recalled that the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began in Chandigarh after the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws, presenting the reform as a shift towards a justice-based legal system. He also highlighted technological projects under the Smart City Mission such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre, smart traffic management, smart parking and digital governance, and noted that more than Rs 25 bn had been spent on the mission. The Prime Minister presented these measures as part of sustained city modernisation. He reflected on India's healthcare evolution over the past decade and said that during the coronavirus pandemic the country moved from being a recipient of concern to a provider of assistance. Earlier that day he had flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana and inaugurated development projects in Haryana valued at over Rs 147 bn before proceeding to Chandigarh. He said the regional benefits of Chandigarh's development extended beyond city limits to transform lives across neighbouring states.