Chandigarh: In a major urban development decision, the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has cleared the proposal allowing stilt-plus-four-floor constructions in new urban sectors across the state. The move, which forms part of the Punjab Unified Building Rules 2025, is expected to reshape the skyline of Punjab’s expanding cities.
According to the new guidelines, plots measuring at least 250 square yards will now be eligible for the stilt-plus-four-floor model, but only within licensed colonies and approved sectors. The maximum permissible height for residential structures has been raised from 17 to 21 metres, bringing Punjab’s building norms closer to those already in force in neighboring Haryana.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Chief Minister Mann said that the change was intended to address the increasing demand for housing in major cities. “By allowing higher vertical construction, we can optimize urban space and make housing more accessible,” he said. The Cabinet has also approved a provision for deemed approval of building plans for residential plots up to 250 square yards, simplifying the process for homeowners.
The revised rules will also permit increased ground coverage for residential buildings, further enhancing construction flexibility.
In another key decision, the Cabinet imposed a cap on the number of drug rehabilitation centers any private individual can operate. No private entity will be allowed to manage more than five such centers, a move aimed at improving oversight and ensuring better standards in the de-addiction sector.
Administrative restructuring was also on the agenda. The Cabinet approved the creation of a new sub-tehsil in Ludhiana North, comprising four patwar circles, one Kanungo circle, and seven villages.
In a significant upgrade for Barnala, the city will now function as a municipal corporation instead of a municipal council. Highlighting the city’s rapid growth, CM Mann said, “Given Barnala’s industrial expansion and rising GST contribution, elevating it to a corporation was a natural step.” With this, Barnala becomes Punjab’s 14th municipal corporation.
The Cabinet’s latest decisions reflect the state government’s push to modernize urban infrastructure while streamlining governance and promoting sustainable development.
