07012026-CT-01.qxd 1/7/2026 12:23 AM Page 1 c m y b Chandigarh tribune PLATFORM NO. 1 CLOSED FOR 15 DAYS FOR RENOVATION SEEING FATHER LIFT IGPL TITLE CHERISHED MOMENT: HARJAI SHOW FROM THE 80S, RAJNI IS BACK IN NEW AVATAR Platform No. 1 at the city railway station will remain closed for trains for the next 15 days due to infra upgrade. P3 For golfer Harjai Milkha Singh, watching his father Jeev Milkha Singh lift the IGPL title was a precious moment. P3 Karan Razdan, writer of the original series & writer-director of its 2.0 version, tells us what made him revisit the show. P4 » » AIR QUALITY INDEX PANCHKULA 167 401-500 301-400 201-300 101-200 51-100 0-50 SEVERE VERY POOR POOR MODERATE SATISFACTORY GOOD WHAT’S ON CHANDIGARH NEW SESSION: Launch of new academic session 2026; NINE Auditorium, PGI; 4 pm MOHALI INVESTITURE: BSF Headquarters Sector Group Western Command to hold investiture ceremony; BSF Lakhnaur Campus in Mohali; 4 pm APNI MANDI Chandigarh: Sectors 15, 40, 46 Panchkula: Sector 25 Please send information about events in tricity at: whatson@tribunemail.com WATER SUPPLY TO BE HIT IN UT The water supply will be affected from January 7 to 8 in city due to the replacement of a damaged pipeline. JANUARY 7 Morning: Normal water supply Evening: No water supply in Sectors 44, 45, 48 to 56, 61 & 63 6 pm to 8 pm: Water supply at low pressure in Sectors 20 C&D, 21 C&D, 31 to 34, 44 to 47, Industrial Area Phase I & II, and Ram Darbar JANUARY 8 5 am to 9 am: Normal supply in Sectors 44, 45, 48 to 56, 61 & 63 3:30 am to 9 am: Normal supply in the rest of Chandigarh 6 pm to 8:30 pm: Normal supply in Sectors 44 to 56, 61 & 63, 20 C&D, 21 C&D, 31 to 34, Industrial Area Phase I & II, and Ram Darbar 5 pm to 9 pm: Normal supply in the rest of the city SUNRISE THURSDAY 7:20 AM FACEBOOK/CHANDIGARHTRIBUNE 2.21 lakh new additions in five years; two-wheelers lead the surge as RLA revenue tops ~1,448 crore THE TRIBUNE SPECIAL Nitin Jain Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 6 Chandigarh’s vehicular population continues to gallop far ahead of its human population, with the total number of vehicles registered in the Union Territory touching close to the 15-lakh mark against an estimated human population of about 13 lakh. Official data from the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) reveals that as many as 2,21,497 new vehicles were registered in the city during the past five years alone, underlining an unrelenting motorisation boom and reinforcing Chandigarh’s position among cities with the highest per capita vehicle density in the country. Sharing details, RLA Pradhuman Singh told The Tribune that the data clearly shows a sustained and steady rise in registrations year after year, with two-wheelers and motor cars continuing to dominate fresh additions. According to year-wise figures, 36,963 vehicles were registered in 2021, followed by 47,244 in 2022 and a sharp jump to 50,930 in 2023. Registrations dipped slightly to 40,762 in 2024 before climbing again in 2025 to 45,598 vehicles, which was nearly 12% higher than the previous year. A closer look at categorywise trends shows that petrol two-wheelers remain the most sought-after vehicles by a wide margin. In 2025, as many as 23,466 petrol twowheelers were registered — the highest figure not only for that year but also the highest single-category registration recorded in the past five years across all vehicle types. This underscores the city’s growing dependence on personal two-wheelers for daily mobility. Motor cars VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 TOTAL 36,963 47,244 50,930 40,762 45,598 2,21,497 WHAT IT MEANS VEHICLES MOVE BUMPER TO BUMPER IN CHANDIGARH. THE BIG PICTURE ■ Total vehicles registered: Close to 15 lakh ■ Estimated human population: About 13 lakh ■ Cumulative registration certificates issued: 9,14,023 and LMVs followed, while electric vehicles, though still forming a smaller share of the overall fleet, continued to post consistent year-on-year growth, signalling a gradual but definite shift towards cleaner mobility options. Year-wise category data ■ Largest category: Motorcycles and scooters ■ Highest single-category figure: 23,466 petrol two-wheelers in 2025 ■ RLA revenue (last five years): ~1,447.56 crore shows that in 2021, the city registered 16,405 petrol twowheelers along with 12,798 petrol LMVs, 6,033 diesel vehicles and a modest beginning in the electric segment. Registrations rose further in 2022 and 2023, with petrol two-wheelers remaining on Chandigarh has decisively crossed the point where vehicles outnumber people, highlighting rising prosperity and mobility needs, but also underscoring the urgency for sustainable transport planning, improved public transit and better traffic management in the years ahead. top each year, even as electric and strong hybrid vehicles gained traction. In 2024, petrol two-wheelers again led the tally, while 2025 marked a clear rebound with the highest petrol two-wheeler registrations of the five-year period, alongside healthy numbers in petrol LMVs, diesel vehicles and EVs. The cumulative data maintained by the RLA shows that a total of 9,14,023 vehicle registration certificates have been issued so far. Of these, motorcycles and scooters account for 4,78,282 certificates, while motor cars account for 4,35,741, clearly establishing two-wheelers as the single largest category on Chandigarh roads. When combined with registrations of LMVs, commercial vehicles, buses and other types over the years, the overall vehicular population has now climbed to close to 15 lakh, decisively surpassing the city’s human population. The relentless rise in vehicle numbers has also translated into a sharp and consistent increase in government revenue. Official figures show that the RLA earned Rs 113.69 crore in 2020-21, which rose to Rs 182.91 crore in 2021-22 and further to Rs 253.65 crore in 2022-23. Revenue jumped to Rs 310.73 crore in 2023-24 and touched a high of Rs 341.84 crore in 2024-25. In the ongoing 202526 financial year, collections have already reached Rs 244.72 crore. Cumulatively, the RLA has earned Rs 1,447.56 crore from vehicle registration fees, road tax and related services during the past five years. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the rising numbers reflected both increasing aspirations and the importance of transparent governance. “The steady growth in registrations shows how personal mobility continues to be a priority for city residents. At the same time, transparent and technology-driven systems at the RLA ensure accurate data, better compliance and improved service delivery. The challenge before us is to manage this Continued on page 2 BJP, Cong in ‘internal’ pact: AAP Shadow on possible Cong-AAP alliance ahead of mayoral poll Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 6 Fissures have emerged between the possible alliance of the Congress and the Aam Adami Party (AAP) ahead of the mayoral election to be held on January 29. In a post on “X”, Jarnail Singh, in-charge of city AAP has indicated an , “internal” alliance between the BJP and the Congress. In the post, Chandigarh AAP in-charge Jarnail Singh says: “On the one hand, they pose as staunch rivals, on the other, they share power In Chandigarh — the BJP holding the Mayor’s post while the Congress occupying the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor — which is a clear and strong evidence of an internal BJP-Congress alliance. The country has now understood this fake fight and staged drama. This game will not continue for much longer.” In another post, Jarnail Singh posed a picture of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a caption: On the one hand they LUCKY’S REBUTTAL The post on “X” by Jarnail Singh, in-charge of city AAP, evoked a sharp response from HS lucky, president of the Chandigarh Congress. He also posted, stating that which form of wrestling AAP was playing when in 2024, AAP’s councillor was mayor while senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts were with the BJP. are rivals, but on the other, they are sharing power in Chandigarh. Jarnail Singh’s post was issued by Vikrant A Tanwar, state media in-charge of Chandigarh AAP . It evoked a sharp response from HS lucky, president of the Chandigarh Congress, who also posted, stating that which form of wrestling AAP was playing when in 2024, AAP’s councillor was mayor, while senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts were with the BJP . When this correspondent asked if that meant no alliance of AAP with the Congress for the Mayor’s post, Jarnail Singh replied “yes” in his message. The strong comments against the Congress by the AAP leader came just day after Congress president Lucky announced that his party would support any political organisation or alliance that was capable of defeating the BJP Lucky made the . announcement after holding a meeting of the Congress councillors in presence of Manish Tewari, Chandigarh MP . Jatinder Pal Malhotra, president of the Chandigarh BJP , said both the Congress and AAP had no stand and values. Leaders of both these parties levelled allegations against one another in other states also. People had rejected both parties in all over the country. People of Chandigarh knew it well. The statement of AAP has further exposed them. Devinder Singh Babla, vicepresident of the Chandigarh BJP said the statement of AAP , was an insult to the Congress, which was keen to form an alliance for its own interest. The development has sur- prised all because both parties had fought the mayoral elections together in the past. They also fought the MP election jointly and defeated the BJP’s candidate. Recently, two AAP councillors, Suman Sharma and Poonam, joined the BJP , increasing its numbers in the MC House to 18. The number of councillors with the previous alliance partners, AAP and the Congress, and the BJP is now equal (18) in the House. To win the election to the post of Mayor, 19 votes, out of a total of 35 councillors in the MC House, are required. The Congress has six councillors and AAP 11. The Chandigarh MP also has voting right. The decision to hold the election by a show of hands this time has changed the game plan of all parties. The previous mayoral elections were held by secret ballot and cross-voting played a major role in close contests. Charanjit Singh Villy, president of the city unit of the SAD, said that AAP and the Congress had exposed themselves before the public once again. Scores sleeping under open sky in biting cold in Mohali Gaurav Kanthwal SC DIRECTIONS Tribune News Service Mohali, January 6 Scores of people spend night under the open sky in this biting cold in Mohali district everyday, a majority of them in Phase 7, with the administration, MC and NGOs turning a blind eye to their plight. Destitute, vagabonds and rag-pickers can be easily spotted spending night in the open in Phase 7, the heart of the city, near Madanpura chowk, underneath the Zirakpur flyover, near Patiala chowk, and in some places of Kharar. The situation is bad in urban areas. Whether they do it wilfully or out of ignorance, but there is certainly a risk of any untoward incident taking place alongside the main road in foggy nights. A 42-year-old man reportedly died while sleeping beneath the flyover in Zirakpur on Sunday evening. Ironically, the nearest MAX 13°C | MIN 6°C YESTERDAY MAX 13.4°C | MIN7.7°C 13 lakh people,15 lakh vehicles in Chandigarh 152 PARDEEP TEWARI CHANDIGARH /THETRIBUNECHD MOSTLY CLOUDY SUNSET WEDNESDAY 5.38 PM » WEDNESDAY | 7 JANUARY 2026 | CHANDIGARH FORECAST The Supreme Court of India has ruled that no homeless person should be forced to sleep in the open during winter. All state governments have been directed to provide adequate night shelters. The “right to shelter” is an integral part of the fundamental Right to Life and Shelter under Article 21 of the Constitution. << Several people sleep on the roadside in biting cold at Phase 7 in Mohali. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VICKY night shelter run by the Zirakpur MC in Lohgarh was locked that night. However, it has been opened since then. Sunday was the coldest day of the season. While humans are dying out in cold in Zirakpur, animals and birds in Zirakpur zoo are getting heaters, shelters, honey, nuts and jaggery to stay inside their enclosures in winter. The Mohali MC provides shelters and essential facilities to urban homeless persons during winter. In accordance with the instructions of the state government, the night shelter at Phase 6, Mohali, has been freshly painted, repaired and made fully functional to ensure safe, hygienic and dig- nified accommodation for those in need. The facility, with a total capacity of 42 beds, comprises three halls with attached bathrooms. Adequate kitchen facilities have been arranged. When asked the reason for not availing of the night shelter facility, a Madanpura woman, who was found sleeping on the roadside, said, “There are only c m y b men there, no women. We feel unsafe there,” she said. Zirakpur MC Sanitary Inspector Ranjit Singh said, “There are two permanent night shelters in Lohgarh and Dhakoli but no one comes there. We have put up two tents for those sleeping beneath the flyover. Two more will be set up there.” Rugby players practise amid fog in Chandigarh on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: PARDEEP TEWARI Fog, clouds make a swift comeback to Tricity region Orange alert issued for dense fog, cold wave today Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 6 Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula on Tuesday slipped back into a familiar winter gloom as clouds, fog, mist, haze and cold wave conditions returned barely a day after the Tricity enjoyed its first bright sunny day of the New Year. The brief respite on Monday proved short-lived, with subdued sunshine and thick haze dragging temperatures down sharply and restoring severe winter conditions across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Wednesday, warning of dense to very dense fog at a few places and cold wave conditions at isolated places in the Tricity. According to the IMD, the day temperature in Chandigarh plunged by a steep 5.3 degrees over the past 24 hours to settle at 13.4°C, which is 2.8 degrees below normal. Night temperatures, however, continued to remain on the higher side, with the minimum recorded at 7.7°C, slightly above normal, reflecting persistent cloud cover and high moisture levels. Weather during the past 24 hours remained dry, but dense to very dense fog was observed at a few places in Punjab, while dense fog was reported at isolated places A woman takes shelter in a tent under the flyover in Zirakpur on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR in Haryana. Cold day conditions were also observed at isolated locations. At the Chandigarh weather observatory, relative humidity remained very high, ranging between 95% and 76%, creating ideal conditions for fog formation. Mist, haze and shallow fog dominated large parts of the day and night, severely affecting visibility during late night and early morning hours. Calm to light northwesterly winds further aided the persistence of fog. Across the region, Faridkot in Punjab recorded the highest maximum temperature at 19.2°C, while Nawanshahr remained among the coldest spots with a maximum of just 11.2°C. The lowest minimum temperature in Punjab was 4.2°C at Bathinda, while Narnaul in Haryana shivered at 4.5°C, the lowest in the state. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Wednesday, warning of dense to very dense fog at a few places and cold wave conditions at isolated places over the Tricity. This will be followed by a yellow alert for dense to very dense fog at isolated places for another five days from Thursday to next Monday. Weather is expected to remain dry, with minimum temperatures likely to fall by another 2 to 3 degrees during the next three days, followed by no major change thereafter. The five-day forecast for Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula indicates mostly cloudy sky with dense fog, with maximum temperatures ranging between 13°C and 16°C and minimum dipping to around 5–6°C. In the nearby hills, winter conditions remain harsher.