The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has selected Tractable Engineering as the consultant for an ambitious project to develop a new urban centre along the Yamuna Expressway.
As per reported by the Hindustan Times, this new city will cover 10,500 hectares, making it approximately half the size of Noida.
The urban centre is part of a broader initiative under the Master Plan-2031. The total cost of the development is projected at ₹40,000 crore. Tractable Engineering has been tasked with creating a master plan within nine months. This plan will outline various land uses, including:
- Residential Areas: 20% of the land will be allocated for group housing.
- Commercial Zones: 4% of the land will be designated for commercial activities.
- Industrial Zones: 25% will be set aside for industrial use.
- Transport Infrastructure: 13% will be focused on transport networks.
- Green Spaces: 15% will be reserved for parks and green areas.
- Tourism: 7% will be dedicated to tourism-related facilities.
- Mixed-Use Development: 7% will include mixed-use spaces.
The comprehensive master plan will address several critical elements:
- Population Projections: To forecast future growth and infrastructure needs.
- Transport Systems: Design and development of road networks and public transit.
- Road Networks: Planning for efficient traffic flow.
- Environmental Conditions: Assessments to ensure sustainable development practices.
- Economic and Social Factors: Analysis of economic opportunities and social dynamics.
- Facilities: Planning for essential services such as healthcare and education.
- Industrial Potential: Evaluation of current industries and potential for future growth.
The master plan will also assess business conditions and explore additional water sources, including the Yamuna River. The aim is to integrate tourism with non-polluting industries, enhancing the region’s appeal and economic viability.
YEIDA approved the concept plan for the new city in 2023. The process to appoint a consultant began in March 2024, with Tractable Engineering now leading the planning phase. Once the master plan is finalized and approved by YEIDA and the state government, land acquisition will commence. The development will involve acquiring land from approximately 30 villages in the Agra region.
Arun Vir Singh, YEIDA’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the new urban centre will be developed in phases, starting with land acquisition. Once the land is acquired, development work will proceed, incorporating the master plan’s comprehensive guidelines.
YEIDA was established by the Uttar Pradesh government on April 24, 2001, to foster development between Greater Noida and Agra. Its initial focus was on industrial growth and urban development in Gautam Budh Nagar, including major projects like the Noida International Airport and a proposed Film City. This new project marks YEIDA’s first significant expansion into Agra along the Yamuna Expressway.
The new urban centre is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional growth, offering a blend of residential, commercial, industrial, and green spaces. It aims to enhance the area’s infrastructure, support economic development, and attract tourism to the historic city of Agra.