The Himachal Pradesh government is set to introduce a new Land Pooling Policy aimed at facilitating planned urban development, reducing congestion in major cities, and supporting the creation of new townships across the state. The policy will be formulated by studying and adapting successful land assembly models implemented in other states, particularly Punjab.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi. The committee was constituted to explore long-term solutions for managing urban congestion in Shimla, industrial hubs such as Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN), and district headquarters across Himachal Pradesh.
A key focus of the proposed policy is to enable large-scale land consolidation for infrastructure and urban development projects without resorting to extensive land acquisition. Under a land pooling mechanism, landowners voluntarily contribute their land for development and receive a share of the developed land or other benefits in return, making it a more collaborative and sustainable approach to urban expansion.
During the meeting, officials discussed plans for developing a new township in the BBN industrial region, one of the state’s fastest-growing economic zones. The government is also considering the development of a satellite town on the lines of Chandigarh to support future population growth and industrial expansion. According to officials, approximately 7,042 bighas of land have already been consolidated for the proposed project.
The meeting was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, along with senior administrative officials.
The committee also reviewed the growing traffic congestion issues in Shimla. Several critical bottlenecks were identified, including Chhota Shimla Chowk, Sanjauli Chowk, Baluganj Junction, Tutikandi Junction, Dhalli Bypass-Tunnel Chowk, Kasumpti Junction, IGMC Bypass Chowk, Khalini Chowk, University Junction, Victory Tunnel Chowk, and Talland Junction.
To address these challenges, the Public Works Department (PWD), Himachal Pradesh Road and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HPRIDC), and Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) have been directed to conduct regular inspections and prepare time-bound plans for congestion-relief measures.
The government is also exploring the relocation of wholesale markets currently operating within Shimla city limits to suitable locations along the newly developed four-lane highway network. Officials believe this move will help reduce traffic pressure within the city and improve urban mobility.
Additionally, the Superintendent of Police, Shimla, has been instructed to strengthen traffic management measures in key locations such as Shoghi and Dhami. Authorities have also been directed to prevent roadside parking and identify new parking facilities wherever required.
