Why Chandigarh Is Called the First Planned City of India

Nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh stands as a living example of what vision, order, and design can achieve. Known as India’s first planned city and fondly called The City Beautiful, it represents a unique blend of modern architecture, urban planning, and natural harmony. Decades after its creation, Chandigarh remains a model of organized growth and thoughtful urban design that continues to inspire city planners across India.

The Birth of a Modern Vision

Chandigarh’s story began after India’s independence in 1947, when the partition left Punjab without its capital, Lahore. The need for a new administrative center led India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to envision a city that embodied the spirit of a modern, progressive nation—free from colonial influences and rooted in rational design.

He called Chandigarh “unfettered by the traditions of the past, a symbol of the nation’s faith in the future.”

The responsibility of creating this new city was first given to American planner Albert Mayer and Polish architect Matthew Nowicki. However, after Nowicki’s untimely death, Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier was brought in to lead the project in 1951. Working with a team of Indian architects and planners, including P. L. Varma and M. N. Sharma, Corbusier translated Nehru’s vision into a functional and aesthetically balanced city.

Why It’s India’s First Planned City

Before Chandigarh, most Indian cities had grown organically, shaped by trade, geography, and history rather than deliberate design. Chandigarh was the first city conceived entirely on paper before being built on the ground.

Le Corbusier’s plan divided the city into carefully designed sectors, each measuring about 800 by 1200 meters. Every sector functioned as a self-contained neighbourhood, complete with markets, schools, healthcare centers, and open spaces. The city’s layout ensured smooth traffic flow, minimal congestion, and easy accessibility—principles of urban planning that were revolutionary for India in the 1950s.

The city was structured like a human body:

• The head — the Capitol Complex, which houses government buildings.
• The heart — the City Centre in Sector 17, the commercial and cultural hub.
• The lungs — the vast green belts, parks, and gardens that give the city its fresh air.
• The limbs — the residential and industrial areas, designed for balance and efficiency.

This meticulous design gave Chandigarh an identity distinct from the chaotic growth seen in other cities.

Le Corbusier’s Architectural Legacy

Le Corbusier’s architectural philosophy emphasized simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection with nature. The buildings in Chandigarh are made of exposed concrete, geometric shapes, and minimal ornamentation—reflecting modernist principles.

The Capitol Complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, and High Court. These monumental structures symbolize the democratic ideals of independent India. Corbusier also designed the Open Hand Monument, a striking metal sculpture that rotates with the wind, symbolizing peace and reconciliation.

The use of open spaces, precise grid planning, and integration of greenery with architecture became the defining features of Chandigarh’s identity. Unlike most cities that grew crowded and haphazard over time, Chandigarh maintained its balance between built-up and natural areas.

Why It’s Called “The City Beautiful”

The nickname “The City Beautiful” perfectly captures Chandigarh’s charm. The city’s beauty lies not in lavish decoration but in its order, greenery, and sense of calm. Over one-third of its area is covered with trees, parks, and gardens, which create a soothing environment rarely found in large Indian cities.

The Rock Garden, created by artist Nek Chand, is one of Chandigarh’s most celebrated landmarks. Built entirely from industrial and household waste, it stands as a symbol of creativity and resilience. Nearby, the Sukhna Lake—a manmade reservoir—adds to the city’s scenic appeal, offering residents and visitors a peaceful retreat amid nature.

Chandigarh’s cleanliness, tree-lined avenues, and well-maintained public spaces have consistently earned it recognition among India’s cleanest and greenest cities. Its design encourages walking and cycling, with clearly demarcated roads and separate paths for pedestrians, making it one of India’s most livable cities.

A Model for Modern Urban India

Seventy years after its creation, Chandigarh still serves as a benchmark for urban development in India. It has inspired the planning of several other cities, including Gandhinagar, Navi Mumbai, and even parts of New Delhi’s newer expansions.

While the city has grown and adapted to changing times, it continues to uphold the vision on which it was built—of harmony between people, architecture, and nature.

Chandigarh’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to balance progress with peace. In a country where rapid urbanization often leads to chaos, Chandigarh remains an example of what careful planning and clear vision can achieve—a truly beautiful city in both form and spirit.