03022026-CT-01.qxd 2/3/2026 1:05 AM Page 1 c m y b Chandigarh tribune ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS REMOVED IN NAYAGAON T20 WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR AT CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY GRAMMY AWARDS UNFOLDED WITH MUSIC & CONSCIENCE An anti-encroachment drive carried out against illegal constructions in the Nayagaon area. P2 The ICC T20 World Cup trophy tour remains exciting show at Chandigarh University in Gharuan. P3 Kendrick Lamar, SZA win Record of The Year defeating Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars. P4 » » AIR QUALITY INDEX CHANDIGARH 101 PANCHKULA 34 401-500 301-400 201-300 101-200 51-100 0-50 SEVERE VERY POOR POOR MODERATE SATISFACTORY GOOD Panel to seal 12 technical bids today; financial bids next week for ~247-crore project THE TRIBUNE SPECIAL TIMELINE 2016 2019 (Feb) 2019 (Nov) 2024 (Apr) 2025 (Aug) 2025 (Oct) Dec 2025 Early 2026 30 months Nitin Jain Tribune News Service WHAT’S ON CHANDIGARH SESSION: Interactive Campus France information session for students planning to study in France; Alliance Francaise de, Sector 36-A; 12:45 pm to 1:30 pm APNI MANDI Chandigarh: Sectors 29 and 56, and Dhanas Panchkula: Sector 15 Mohali: Sectors 68 and 71 Please send information about events in tricity at: whatson@tribunemail.com 2 Shimla natives arrested for smuggling liquor Panchkula, February 2 The police on Sunday arrested two Shimla natives for smuggling liquor. The police said at team got a tip-off about the suspects, identified as Jagdish Chand and Ramesh Kumar, both residents of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh, smuggling liquor from Chandigarh to their state and were present at Sector 21, Panchkula, with a consignment loaded in their Bolero vehicle. The police team raided the spot and arrested the suspects. During search of their vehicle, 96 bottles of rum and 60 of Indian-made foreign liquor were recovered. A case was registered at the Sector 20 police station. — TNS Week on, over 1K avail of MC parking pass Chandigarh, February 2 The Municipal Corporation’s flagship smart parking initiative — MC One Pass — has crossed the 1,000 subscriber mark within a week of its launch. Introduced to simplify parking and eliminate daily cash transactions, the pass offers commuters seamless monthly parking at Rs 250 for twowheelers and Rs 500 for fourwheelers across designated MC parking sites in the city. MC Commissioner Amit Kumar said the strong response highlighted the success of digital governance initiatives aimed at improving ease of living, convenience and transparency for residents. The system ensured cashless payments, reduced disputes at parking sites and brought greater accountability in parking operations, he addded. The MC One Pass can be availed through the designated digital platform — the official website of MC www.mcchandigarh.gov.in — and scanning QR code placed at the entry point of each parking site. — TNS Chandigarh, February 2 The long-delayed Tribune flyover project, billed as Chandigarh’s traffic lifeline, moved a step closer to execution with 12 technical bids received for the Rs 247.07-crore project set to be finalised after evaluation by a high-powered joint technical committee on Tuesday. The committee, comprising senior officials from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the UT Administration’s Engineering and Finance Departments, will meet here to finalise the technically qualified bidders for the construction of the six-lane flyover, rotary and underpass on NH-05, one of the city’s busiest corridors. Earlier, a financial consultant appointed by the UT Administration with the Centre’s approval had scrutinised and evaluated all technical bids received for the project. During the process, shortcomings were observed in seven bids, which were subsequently rectified by the respective bidders to meet the prescribed technical norms, paving the way for final evaluation. Confirming the development, a senior official told The Tribune that following the approval and finalisation of the technical bids, financial bids would be opened within a week. Project conceived, consultant appointed Sanctioned at ~183.74 crore Work awarded; High Court stay imposed Stay vacated by High Court Revised cost of ~247.07 crore approved Fresh tenders invited Technical bids under finalisation Work award expected Targeted completion after award PROJECT DOSSIER More than 1.5 lakh vehicles pass by Tribune Chowk daily. FILE PHOTO SIGNAL-FREE CORRIDOR: GADKARI project marked critical intervention for the Tricity’s ❝Thetraffic woes. Thisawill create a signal-free corridor on NH05, substantially easing congestion at Tribune Chowk and improving traffic flow not only in Chandigarh but also towards Mohali and Panchkula. It reflects the Centre’s commitment to modernising urban mobility infrastructure. ❞ — Nitin Gadkari, UNION MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS “The work is expected to be awarded within a month or so thereafter,” the official said. Once the work is awarded, the six-lane flyover, rotary and underpass will be constructed within 30 months, bringing long-awaited relief to commuters passing through Tribune Chowk. Over 1.5 lakh vehicles cross the chowk daily. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria termed the development a major step for the city. “After years of delay, the Tribune flyover is now firmly on track. It will significantly improve daily commuting, road safety and urban mobility while preserving the city’s planned character,” Kataria told The Tribune. UT Engineering Secretary Prerna Puri said the project had crossed a critical milestone. “The technical scrutiny has been thorough and transparent. With financial bids to follow shortly, we are Total cost Estimated bid cost Funding UT share Length Flyover Carriageway width Rotary diameter Spans Design speed Traffic volume Completion period ~247.07 crore (including GST) ~214.66 crore (excluding GST) 100% by MoRTH ~35.54 crore (utility shifting) 1.65 km 1,442 m | Underpass: 519 m 25.5 m 75 m 22 80 kmph 1.5 lakh vehicles/day 30 months MAX 20°C | MIN 10°C YESTERDAY MAX 21.9°C | MIN 9.8°C SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 7:11 AM /THETRIBUNECHD Tribune flyover project tender in final leg, work award within month MAINLY CLEAR SKY SUNSET TUESDAY 6:01 PM » TUESDAY | 3 FEBRUARY 2026 | CHANDIGARH FORECAST FACEBOOK/CHANDIGARHTRIBUNE Man dies, another hurt as bouncer opens fire in Dhakoli road rage Tribune News Service Zirakpur, February 2 A Panchkula resident died of gunshot injury while another sustained serious injuries when a bouncer opened fire on them with his licensed pistol in a case of road rage at Dhakoli on Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Prince Kumar (28) of Sector 26 and the injured as Bharat Bhushan (30) of Kishanpura in Zirakpur. The suspect, Kuldeep Singh of Kishanpura, has been arrested. Kuldeep, who was in a car, opened fire after an altercation with Prince and Bharat over giving a pass to their SUV, which was coming from the opposite direction on a narrow stretch of road. He fled the spot after the incident. While Prince, who had sustained two gunshots in the chest, died on the spot, Bharat was rushed to the hos- 40-year-old suspect flees spot, arrested in six hours pital in a serious condition. He was injured in the throat. On Bharat’s statement, a case under Sections 103 and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and 25, 2754-59 of the Arms Act was registered at the Dhakoli police station. Zirakpur ASP Gajalpreet Kaur said, “A manhunt was launched soon after receiving information that Kuldeep had fired shots at two persons and sped away. The entire district was sealed and blockaded by forming teams. PCR teams were activated.” The police arrested the assailant, around 40 years of age, from the Dhakoli area within six hours of the crime. His licensed .32 bore revolver was recovered. A process to get the suspect’s arms licence cancelled has been initiated. (SOURCE: MORTH) confident of timely award and execution,” she said. UT Chief Engineer CB Ojha said preparations were already underway for smooth implementation. “Traffic diversion plans, strengthening of slip roads and coordination with Chandigarh Traffic Police are part of the tender scope. The aim is to minimise inconvenience while completing the project within the stipulated 30 months,” he said. Conceived to decongest the Tribune Chowk due to everincreasing traffic intensity, the project dates back to 2016 when the Centre approved engaging a consultant to find a permanent solution. After detailed traffic studies and multiple levels of scrutiny, the proposal was approved in 2019 but remained stalled for nearly five years following a High Court stay on axing of trees. The stay was vacated in April 2024, allowing the Administration to revive the project through fresh bidding. The suspect in police custody. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VICKY Officials hold surprise UT staff under power firm only on provisional basis: CAT Tribunal maintains status quo in transfer case till next hearing on Feb 27 check at city schools Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 2 Top officials of the UT Education Department observed several shortcomings during a surprise visit made at local government schools to assess on-ground conditions and review educational as well as infrastructural facilities. Prerna Puri, Secretary, School Education, and Nitish Singla, Director, School Education, conducted the surprise inspections. During the inspections, the officers visited government model high schools at Dhanas (RC-1, RC-2 and RC-3). They examined infrastructure, drinking water arrangements, sanitation facilities, classrooms, playgrounds and over- all cleanliness of the school premises. The officers also interacted with students, teachers and school staff to understand their concerns and requirements, while holding discussions on academic practices, student welfare and effective utilisation of resources. “The officials observed several shortcomings, including the need for repairs in school buildings and playgrounds, as well as non-functional water purifiers and coolers. The heads/principals of the schools concerned were directed to ensure rectification of the deficiencies within 15 days, failing which personal accountability would be fixed,” stated a commune. — TNS Chandigarh, February 2 The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has held that employees of the electricity wing of the UT Engineering Department continue to remain with the Administration and are with Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) on provisional basis. The observation came while hearing an original application filed by Pankaj Kumar Gautam, who challenged the transfer of his services to the newly created CPDL under the Chandigarh Electricity Reform Transfer Scheme, 2025. Opposing the plea, the Chandigarh Administration and the CPDL raised objections on the maintainability of the application, arguing that Gautam’s services, along with those of all employees of the erstwhile electricity wing of the Engineering Department, stood transferred to the firm through a notification dated January 31 last year. The respondents further submitted that the applicant’s representations had already been rejected by the competent authority and that the case had become infructuous. The Administration also contended that the issue was barred by the principles of finality of litigation and res judicata, citing earlier rounds of litigation before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the tribunal. The counsel for Gautam argued that the transfer scheme itself was ultra vires Article 311 of the Constitution, as the applicant’s service conditions were governed by statutory recruitment rules — the PSEB Service of Engineers (Electrical) Recruitment Regulations, 1965. It was submitted that Gautam continued to be an employee of the electricity wing of the UT Engineering Department and was entitled to retain his status with all consequential benefits. The applicant also argued that while the High Court had earlier examined issues related to the timing of finalisation of the transfer scheme under the Electricity Act, 2003, the validity of the scheme itself had not been adjudicated. It was pointed out that the tribunal, in an earlier review petition, had granted liberty to challenge the scheme, ruling out the plea of res judicata. After examining the record, the tribunal noted that under the transfer scheme, all transfers remain provisional for a period of 12 months from the date of notification — that is till January 31, 2026. Until the expiry of the period, the Bench held, employees of the electricity wing continued to be with the Chandigarh Administration and were on provisional basis with the CPDL. In ~10 cr/km Mohali road plan comes under HC scanner HighCourt issuesnoticeson ~783-cr project for Feb 12 as contractors allege tailor-made tender, exclusion Nitin Jain Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 2 Punjab’s controversial plan to hand over 83.4 km of major roads and junctions in Mohali at nearly Rs 10 crore per kilometre, under a Rs 783.46-crore, 10-year concession, has come under the scanner of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A Division Bench headed by Justice Lisa Gill on Monday issued notices for February 12 to the state of Punjab through the Chief Secretary, GMADA through its Chief Administrator, the GMADA Chief Engi- neer, and the Mohali Municipal Corporation through its Commissioner. The petition has been filed by GMADA contractors and others through advocate HC Arora. Senior advocate Rajwinder Singh Bains, assisted by advocate Sunaina, appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioners. The Tribune was the first to report on January 18 about the Mohali Next Generation Roads Programme, under which the Punjab Government proposes to outsource the upgradation, resurfacing, beautification, The GMADA office in Phase 8, Mohali. FILE operation and maintenance of key city roads to private players for a decade. c m y b Challenging the bidding process and tender document dated January 11, the petitioners have sought quashing of the entire tender, alleging that the whole GMADA area has been consolidated into one compact package, effectively excluding existing Class-I and Class-II contractors registered with GMADA and other Punjab Government departments. They contend that the estimated project cost of about Rs 790 crore and the requirement of an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of around Rs 7.90 crore are beyond the financial capacity of local contractors, resulting in their elimination from the compe- tition. The petition claims this would cause financial loss to the state exchequer and restrict fair competition. The contractors further alleged that 27 already completed or ongoing works related to road upgradation, resurfacing, beautification and roadside plantation have been included again in the tender, leading to what they describe as undue enrichment of prospective bidders at public expense. According to the petition, the tender conditions violate Article 39(b) and 39(c) of the Continued on page 2 view of this, the tribunal ruled that it had the jurisdiction to entertain the application and that the plea was maintainable. It also took note of the delay in filing replies, observing that the applicant’s representation was decided only days before the expiry of the provisional transfer period. Hearing the petition on January 29, the tribunal directed that status quo with respect to the applicant’s service position be maintained till the next date of hearing, clarifying that the order should not hinder the applicant from continuing work under the company. The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 27, with directions to the respondents to file detailed replies by then. Sec 30 man loses ~18.52L in online trading fraud Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 2 A Sector 30-B resident has been duped of Rs 18.52 lakh in an alleged online trading and investment fraud. In his complaint to the police, the victim stated that he was lured into a fake trading and stock market investment scheme through WhatsApp in September last year. The complainant stated that a woman, who introduced herself as “Nitika Bhatia”, contacted him and later added him to a WhatsApp group named SBI Cap Securities, Continued on page 2