The Tricity metro project received approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, marking a pivotal milestone for the region's urban mobility infrastructure. The 39-km metro network will address traffic congestion by covering Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.

The mass rapid transit system (MRTS) is expected to cost over Rs 10,570 crore and will include bus terminals, depots and improvements at busy intersections. Out of the network, Chandigarh will have 35 km, Panchkula will have 11 km, and Mohali and New Chandigarh together will have 31 km. The initial 39-km phase has since been expanded; the first phase of the Tricity Metro Network has been expanded from the initial 66 km to a total of 77 km.

The final metro network will be developed in two phases and will cover Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, New Chandigarh and Pinjore. In the first phase — scheduled to be developed between 2027 and 2037 — the MRTS will run from Sarangpur to Panchkula ISBT. The metro corridor is primarily designed to operate overground, ensuring efficient transportation for residents and commuters.

For real estate investors in Panchkula, the metro approval signals long-term connectivity gains. ISBT Panchkula Extension will serve as a key interchange; residential projects in adjacent sectors will benefit from connectivity. However, execution timelines warrant caution. Construction timelines for Indian metros routinely slip by 2–3 years; expect Phase 1 completion closer to 2039–2040 rather than 2034–2037. The project is still awaiting formal identification of the lending agency (60% of ₹10,570 crore); until that's confirmed, the project remains aspirational rather than committed.

The ministry asked Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) phase-wise, which will be sent to the ministry for funds. Funding is structured as: 20 per cent would be paid by the state governments, 20 per cent by the Centre and the remaining 60 per cent by the lending agency.