Punjab Cabinet Approves Stilt-Plus-Four-Floor Buildings and Elevates Barnala to Municipal Corporation

Chandigarh, October 27, 2025 — In a landmark move to modernize Punjab’s urban landscape, the state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved stilt-plus-four-floor construction in new urban sectors across the state under the Punjab Unified Building Rules 2025. The decision aims to meet the growing housing demand and optimize land use in rapidly expanding cities.

As per the new rules, plots of at least 250 square yards in licensed colonies and approved sectors will be eligible for the vertical construction model. The maximum building height for residential structures has been raised from 17 to 21 metres, aligning Punjab’s urban standards with those in neighboring Haryana.

Explaining the rationale, Chief Minister Mann said, “This reform will not only address the rising housing needs but also ensure optimal urban growth. Vertical expansion is the future of sustainable city planning.” The Cabinet also introduced a deemed approval system for residential building plans up to 250 square yards, reducing red tape for homeowners.

The revised framework additionally allows for increased ground coverage, giving developers greater design flexibility while maintaining safety and sustainability norms.

In another major decision, the Cabinet capped the number of drug rehabilitation centers that a private individual can operate at five, aiming to improve regulatory oversight and maintain quality standards in the de-addiction sector.

The Cabinet also approved administrative restructuring, including the creation of a new sub-tehsil in Ludhiana North, encompassing four patwar circles, one Kanungo circle, and seven villages.

In a notable civic upgrade, Barnala has been elevated from a municipal council to a municipal corporation, becoming Punjab’s 14th. CM Mann cited the city’s industrial expansion and rising GST contribution as the key reasons behind the upgrade, calling it “a natural step in Barnala’s urban evolution.”

The latest Cabinet decisions underscore Punjab’s commitment to urban modernization, streamlined governance, and sustainable development, marking a major step toward a more progressive and planned future for the state.