Ludhiana Improvement Trust is set to resume construction of Atal Apartments on Pakhowal Road after multiple stalled attempts. The project, initiated over a decade ago, faced delays, dropouts, and multiple inaugurations. The latest effort, backed by the current government, plans to start construction after the formal inauguration at the end of the month, possibly attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann or Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh. The project, marked by a tumultuous history of allotments, withdrawals, and changing political climates, aims to provide 576 flats with modern amenities on 8.8 acres of land.Read more

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has abandoned plans to designate a road in Sarabha Nagar as commercial after facing backlash from residents who deemed it illegal, emphasizing that the area was meant to be purely residential. An MLA had recommended converting one of the roads into a commercial zone citing commercial activity in the region, but this was met with resistance. Following complaints about illegal commercial activities, the municipal corporation will now issue notices to those establishments. The Ludhiana Improvement Trust, responsible for developing Sarabha Nagar, questioned the deviation from the original residential plan and urged the Municipal Corporation to obtain an NOC before approving building plans.Read more

Despite a two-year delay, Ludhiana's Municipal Corporation has launched the installation of Unique Identity Number (UID) plates, funded by the Smart City Mission. This transformative project aims to enhance civic services and modernise the city. The UID plates, featuring QR codes, facilitate seamless access to property details. While residents benefit from streamlined services, concerns arise in areas like Dhandhari, reflecting the hesitation to providing such amount of transparency nevertheless MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi expresses confidence in achieving technological advancements and urban development through projects completion.Read more

Eight individuals have been charged by Division 8 police in Ludhiana following a nearly 8-year investigation into a property fraud in Ghumar Mandi. The accused allegedly forged documents to claim and sell a property originally owned by the complainant's maternal grandfather. The fraud came to light when Vinod Kumar, a descendant and rightful heir, raised suspicions after discovering discrepancies in property records. While charges have been filed, no arrests have been made yet.Read more

Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) officials are anticipating the introduction of a one-time settlement (OTS) policy to regularize illegal buildings, mirroring a similar policy applied in areas outside the MC's jurisdiction, under GLADA's control. The impending municipal corporation elections are expected to prompt this move, although it has stirred criticism from city activists who accuse the government of promoting violators. An MC official stated that the policy could lead to the regularization of many illegal buildings, though the exact number remains unknown as no survey has been conducted yet.Read more

The Atal Apartments project in Ludhiana faces mounting discontent among its allottees due to prolonged construction delays. The ambitious initiative, with 576 flats and a budget of Rs 250 crore, has been in progress since 2008, testing the patience of homebuyers. The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) had received state government approval for the project but construction remains stagnant. Tenders for crucial amenities like a community centre and multi-storey parking have also been halted. LIT officials cite the need to renew environmental clearance, which was granted in 2017 and is valid until 2027, after project redesign. While they assure construction will begin soon, allottees are concerned that upcoming elections may further delay the project.Read more

As municipal corporation elections loom, Ludhiana's civic body focuses on updating voter lists, diverting attention from property tax recovery. Employees plan to send SMS reminders instead of notices for dues. Since the one-time settlement was launched, efforts have been redirected towards recovering pending house tax amounts. Officials express the city's potential for Rs 250 crore in property tax but cite improper categorization hindering accurate taxation. Plans to reassess tax slabs are underway to rectify anomalies and ensure a fair taxation system and a committee has been formed for this purpose.Read more

According to GLADA (Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority) Chief Administrator Sagar Setia, builders must adhere to guidelines mandating the acquisition of licenses from the authority after registering with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority). In a bid to regulate real estate activities effectively, GLADA has issued notices to builders who have displayed advertisements without the required licenses. This move underscores GLADA's commitment to upholding legal and regulatory standards in the development sector. Setia emphasized the importance of builders complying with these procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in the real estate industry.Read more

After a three-year delay, the construction and demolition waste plant in Ludhiana is set to be constructed, with a tender of Rs 7.45 crore allocated. Civic officials have issued work orders and are expediting the necessary approvals to make the plant operational promptly. The project, initially under the smart city mission, faced obstacles and was later shifted to the Swachh Bharat Mission. The plant aims to address the city's construction waste issue, and officials anticipate a VIP inauguration soon. The construction is expected to take 3-4 months, with a toll-free number for waste disposal requests to be introduced.Read more

The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) officials met with the local bodies department to secure approval for the Atal Apartments project, which has faced prolonged delays and uncertainty over its 15-year history. LIT officials, despite concerns about a low bid, expressed optimism about receiving written approval, highlighting the project's importance. The project involves constructing HIG and MIG flats with modern amenities, and once approved, it is expected to take three years to complete at an estimated cost of Rs 224 crore.Read more

Omaxe Ltd., a prominent real estate developer, has achieved a significant milestone by acquiring over 5 acres of land in Ludhiana through a competitive bidding process with the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). The transaction, valued at Rs 220 crore, strategically places this land near Ludhiana's Ghumar Mandi Fountain Chowk in Punjab, offering great potential for residential and commercial development. Omaxe aims to strengthen its presence in key locations near the National Capital Region (NCR), enhancing Ludhiana's real estate market and boosting its own growth. This acquisition aligns with Omaxe's strategy to expand in crucial markets and develop exceptional urban spaces.Read more

GLADA (Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority) has launched a crackdown on illegal colonies, demolishing infrastructure in five unauthorized settlements. The targeted action took place in Bholapur, Tajpur, Bhamian Kalan, and Kulianwal villages. Developers who disregarded notices faced the demolition drive, carried out with the cooperation of police, PSPCL officials, and the revenue department. GLADA warned against purchasing property in unauthorized colonies, emphasizing their lack of government-sanctioned amenities. They have also recommended against plot registration and electricity connections in such areas. This initiative aims to curb the growth of illegal colonies and protect prospective buyers from fraudulent schemes.Read more

In a bid to clamp down on the rise of unauthorized constructions and instil transparency, officials from the building branch in Ludhiana will now maintain comprehensive online records via the challan management system (CMS). Previously, the uploading of challans occurred monthly or yearly, with many languishing as "pending." This approach shift involves daily data monitoring and necessitates officials to promptly upload solutions. Amid multiple complaints about construction persisting post-sealing, the MC commissioner's transfer has taken place. The civic body, facing financial loss and criticism, aims for effective enforcement via digital reforms.Read more

Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) has received responses from two firms each for constructing High Income Group (HIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) flats in the Atal Apartment Scheme. HIG flats are bid at Rs 125 crore, MIG flats at Rs 70 crore. After about two weeks of technical and financial evaluation, pending final approvals, LIT aims to accelerate the project led by Chairman Tarsem Bhinder. The plan covers 8.8 acres, comprising 336 HIG, 240 MIG flats, a community centre, tower parking, and amenities. Construction starts after formalities. The project's cost is about Rs 224 crore, targeting flat possession in three years.Read more

The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) is relying on anticipated revenue from an impending property auction by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust (JIT) to address a complex financial situation. In 2017, JIT had taken a substantial bank loan for its Surya Enclave Extension scheme, leading to collateralization of prime properties, including the Guru Gobind Singh stadium. After state government intervention, LIT and other improvement trusts extended loans to JIT for a settlement. The planned property auction's proceeds were divided, with Ludhiana and Amritsar receiving 40% each and JIT 20%. Despite delays, LIT's financial stability is affirmed, as it navigates various projects and commitments.Read more

In order to curb illegal construction, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation swiftly demolished eight unapproved constructions throughout the city. The crackdown was directed at structures lacking the appropriate building plan permissions. The MC seeks to protect the city's architectural legacy while discouraging unauthorized building and fostering responsible urban growth. Before beginning construction projects, citizens have been asked to obtain the necessary approvals. The authorities have also stressed the significance of public knowledge and cooperation in upholding the city's aesthetic standards and safety requirements.Read more

The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has come under scrutiny for its failure to take action against developers who have not regularized their illegal colonies, causing distress among residents. Despite the identification of a large number of illegal colonies within GLADA's jurisdiction prior to the implementation of a regularization policy in 2018, little has changed for the inhabitants. However, sources indicate that developers who previously applied under the policy may soon have a final opportunity to rectify their documentation shortcomings and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for their colonies.Read more

The cost of establishing a disposal plant in Dhandari, under the Smart City Mission, aimed at managing the substantial construction and demolition (C&D) waste of Ludhiana, has escalated significantly. Originally estimated at Rs 2.7 crore, the project's expenses have now surged to Rs 7.6 crore. The plant was intended to efficiently handle the city's vast quantities of C&D waste. However, the substantial cost escalation poses a challenge to the project's implementation. The increased financial burden could impact the timely completion and effectiveness of the plant, potentially requiring additional funding or reassessment of the project's scope.Read more

According to officials, multiple commercial entities are emerging along the South City area. In response, the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) officials are devising a plan to introduce a new scheme that combines green industry and residential components. The scheme aims to foster sustainable development by incorporating environmentally friendly practices within industrial and residential spaces. Through this initiative, LIT intends to create a harmonious blend of industry and residential areas while promoting a greener and sustainable environment. The scheme's launch is anticipated to provide a platform for both commercial and residential growth, catering to the evolving needs of the region.Read more

Ludhiana's municipal corporation is turning to digital technology to identify property tax defaulters. A new mobile application utilizing Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping allows officials to color-code properties and assign unique identification numbers. This will facilitate the tracking of defaulters and improve operational efficiency. The initiative, which includes live location tracking for field staff and text reminders to defaulters, is part of an aggressive push to achieve this year's property tax target of Rs 130 crore.Read more