Chandigarh, Oct. 3 -- The four-block expansion under the holistic development plan of Punjab and Haryana high court (HC), aimed at increasing court rooms by at least 35 and creating 22 lakh square ft of parking area, is estimated to cost Rs.1,454 crore.

While the initial estimates had stood at Rs.1,600 crore, a top official privy to the development said, "The officers sat with the consultant and the final estimate worked out now is Rs.1,454 crore."

"The cost estimates have been approved by the HC administration and are now to be put up before the UT administrator before sending it to the central government," the official added.

According to the proposal, four new blocks with 30-35 more court rooms on a 11.42 lakh square-feet area behin...