URBAN DEVELOPMENT
CM Sukhu Names New Baddi Township 'Him-Chandigarh'; Cabinet Approves 3,400 Bighas for World-Class Urban Development
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stated that the proposed world-class township to be developed at Shitalpur in the Baddi area of Solan district, near the Chandigarh border, will be named 'Him-Chandigarh'. A Cabinet sub-committee's feasibility report has been approved, and three panchayats have agreed to provide land through land pooling, with the Cabinet approving transfer of 3,400 bighas of land to the housing department.
| Township Name | Him-Chandigarh, carrying forward the 'Him' identity of the state |
|---|---|
| Location | Shitalpur in the Baddi area of Solan district, near the Chandigarh border |
| Land Approved (Transfer) | 3,400 bighas approved for transfer to housing department |
| Cabinet Approval Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Name Announcement Date | 5 January 2026 |
| Land Pooling Agreement | Three panchayats have agreed to provide land through land pooling |
| Land Composition | Around 1,500 bigha is government-owned; remainder falls under private ownership to be procured after statutory procedures |
| Development Authority | Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) will lead the land acquisition process |
| Next Steps Timeline | More land to be acquired over next six months; consultants to be appointed soon |
Announcement and Cabinet Approval
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the world-class township at Shitalpur in the Baddi area of Solan district, near the Chandigarh border, will be named 'Him-Chandigarh'. Sukhu stated: 'Carrying forward the "Him" identity of the state, the city will be named "Him-Chandigarh".'
A Cabinet sub-committee had been constituted to explore the feasibility of developing the township, and its report has now been approved by the Cabinet. The Cabinet gave its nod to build a world class township on the border of Himachal and Chandigarh at Shitalpur on 30 December 2025.
Land Transfer and Acquisition
Three panchayats have agreed to provide land for the project through land pooling, and the Cabinet has already approved the transfer of 3,400 bighas of land to the housing department. Of the identified land, around 1,500 bigha is government-owned, while the remainder falls under private ownership and will be procured after completing statutory procedures.
More land will be acquired over the next six months. The Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) will lead the land acquisition process.
Project Development and Strategic Purpose
The project forms part of the long-term plans of the state to ensure planned urbanization, alleviate pressure on saturated hill towns, as well as achieve a modern urban center with high infrastructure standards. The township will enable the development of a modern urban center and also help connect the Baddi-Nalagarh industrial corridor and the Tricity.
The project will be developed under the supervision of HIMUDA and will span a combination of government and privately owned land, planned to extend across the Baddi to Nalagarh industrial corridor, further boosting the region's integration.
Next Steps and Implementation
Consultants will be appointed soon to ensure world-class facilities in the township. The township is under the planning and development process as of March 2026.
Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan emphasized that the township would set new benchmarks in infrastructure development.
Community Opposition
A day after the announcement, residents of two villages opposed the move, saying acquisition of land for the purpose would render them landless. The residents of Malpur and Sandoli panchayats in Baddi protested against the new township at a meeting held in Shitalpur, unanimously warning to launch an agitation if the government forcibly imposes the proposal.
They said land had already been acquired for a four-lane highway and railway projects, and if a new township is built here, the local people will become landless.
Frequently asked questions
What is Him-Chandigarh and where is it located?
It is a proposed world-class township to be developed at Shitalpur in the Baddi area of Solan district, near the Chandigarh border.
When was the project formally announced and approved?
The Cabinet approved the township on 30 December 2025. Chief Minister Sukhu announced the name 'Him-Chandigarh' on 5 January 2026.
How much land has been approved for the project?
The Cabinet has approved transfer of 3,400 bighas of land to the housing department. More land will be acquired over the next six months.
How will the land be acquired?
Three panchayats have agreed to provide land through land pooling. Around 1,500 bigha is government-owned, while the remainder falls under private ownership and will be procured after completing statutory procedures.
Who will develop the township?
The Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) will lead the land acquisition process.
What is the strategic importance of this township?
The township will enable the development of a modern urban center and help connect the Baddi-Nalagarh industrial corridor and the Tricity.
Sources
- HP Cabinet Decisions (Official Press Release)
- 'Him-Chandigarh' township to come up at Shitalpur
- Him-Chandigarh Township | Planned New City
- Himachal: Villagers in Baddi oppose new township proposed near Chandigarh
- Himachal clears 3,000-bigha Shitalpur township around Baddi near Chandigarh
- World-class township to come up on Himachal border will be named Him-Chandigarh CM
- Baddi farmers oppose land acquisition for new township, hold protest march