Intra city residential mobility in Chandigarh patterns determinants and implications

Abstract

Chandigarh, a uniquely planned city envisioned by Le Corbusier, continues to experience evolving patterns of intra-city residential mobility, shaped by complex socio-economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. This thesis investigates the underlying patterns, determinants, and spatial dynamics of residential relocations across Chandigarh s sectors. A mixed-methods research design was employed: structured household surveys captured motivations ranging from income fluctuations, housing satisfaction, tenure status, and regional origins to occupational and neighborhood preferences. Key findings reveal that residential mobility is significantly influenced by: Socio-economic factors such as income disparities, occupational diversity, and migration history; Housing-related considerations, including overcrowding, satisfaction levels, and differences between owned and rented dwellings; Neighborhood and infrastructural attributes like access to amenities, connectivity, and environmental quality. Spatial analysis further identifies distinct mobility hotspots in sectors that offer superior amenities and accessibility. These insights underscore the critical need for inclusive urban policies ranging from improving rental housing conditions and enhancing affordable housing options to strengthening infrastructure and public services to support equitable, stable, and resident-centered urban development in Chandigarh. newline