The Yamuna Expressway Authority has launched its third global tender for the development of 230 acres of the Film City project, located in Sector 21. They are seeking investors and production houses to participate in a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the project’s first phase.
Previously, the authority had called for bids to develop the entire 1,000-acre project in two earlier tenders, but these attempts garnered no substantial interest due to the significant investment required. This time, the focus is solely on the first phase, covering 230 acres. The bidding process commenced on September 30, with a deadline for applications set for November 30. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 26.
The first phase will encompass 155 acres dedicated to industrial use and 75 acres for commercial purposes. The industrial segment will include film studios, a film institute, post-production facilities, and other film-related infrastructure. Meanwhile, the commercial aspect will feature hospitality projects, an amusement park, and more. The estimated cost for this phase is approximately Rs 1,500 crore. The entire project, including all phases, is expected to be completed in eight years, with the industrial component scheduled for completion within three years.
To attract interest from potential bidders, the government has introduced modifications and relaxations to the project’s terms. These include extending the concession period from 60 to 90 years and allowing the concessionaire to opt for a revenue share of 5 percent instead of a fixed annual premium of Rs 116 crore. These changes have reduced the investment requirement for the first phase from Rs 7,200 crore to approximately Rs 1,500 crore.
In August 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority to initiate project work within the next six months. The third global tender was officially approved by the UP Cabinet in September 2023. The remaining 770 acres of the project will be developed in subsequent phases, with the Authority planning to create a vision document with the assistance of a consultant.
The International Film City project, spanning 1,000 acres in YEIDA Sector 21 along the Yamuna Expressway, is a significant initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government. Originally envisioned as a single-phase project, it will now be developed in three phases to improve its financial viability. The Film City is strategically located six kilometers from the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar and 12 kilometers from the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. The project’s first global tender was issued on November 22, 2021, and revised on August 27, 2022. The second request for proposal (RFP) was published on October 17, 2022, but the project failed to attract any bidders by the March 31 deadline.