August 20, 20:09Aaj Tak

Delhi Master Plan until 2047 includes high-rise buildings, 4 million new apartments, and infrastructure development

The future appearance of Delhi may change significantly in the coming decades. According to the Delhi Master Plan 2047, the city's skyline may be adorned with buildings over 100 stories high, as well as the emergence of 4 million new residential units, 700 kilometers of new metro network, pedestrian walkways, and communication lines.

This future plan includes proposals for creating internal waterways on the Yamuna and Sahibi rivers (also known as the Najafgarh drainage) and other canals, as well as introducing eco-friendly transport such as air taxis and aeropods.

It is planned to reconstruct major railway stations, as well as build new stations to handle growing traffic between railway hubs, ISBT, bus terminals, metro, and RRTS stations.

According to the document 'Delhi Master Plan 2047' (MPD 2047), released by the central government on Thursday, high-rise construction will be stimulated in areas with good infrastructure. Special attention is paid to zones located near mass transit corridors (such as metro lines) and large commercial and multi-functional centers.

MPD asserts that such construction will lead to compact urban development, reduce chaotic urban sprawl, and ensure efficient land use. Buildings over 100 stories high will become iconic structures, strengthening the unique image and silhouette of Delhi. Their design will conform to the surrounding urban environment, improving the quality of public spaces and giving the city a distinct identity.

In accordance with the plan, high-rise buildings should have as many open spaces at ground level as possible for creating public squares, landscaped areas, pedestrian routes, public amenities, and pedestrian-friendly green infrastructure.

The document emphasizes that the development of Delhi's skyline will be carried out purposefully, taking into account historical sites, ceremonial avenues, historic districts, and view corridors.

Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar stated that the Master Plan cancels height restrictions on residential and commercial buildings in most parts of the city.

Construction of 4 Million Residential Units

Over the next two decades, the capital will undergo numerous changes, including the construction of 4 million homes, the expansion of the metro network to 695 km, and the appearance of high-rise buildings. The Union Minister announced that about 4 million homes will be built in the city, and the metro network will be expanded to 695 kilometers by 2047 to meet the needs of the growing population.

This Master Plan, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, provides for provisions such as multimodal transport hubs in Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, and Kashmiri Gate, a unified parking management system, and relaxations in the floor area ratio for different categories.

Releasing the 535-page Master Plan, Union Minister Manohar Lal, along with Deputy Governor of Delhi T.S. Sandhu and Chief Minister Reha Gupta, stated that this plan aligns with the vision of 'Developed India' 2047.

Khattar clarified that the rules regarding building heights have been abolished, but they will remain in force in certain areas. Such zones include the Lutyens' Bungalow area, Civil Lines Bungalow area, Connaught Place and its extension, Zone 'O' (Yamuna and Ridge floodplains), land acquisition areas, low-density areas, and territories restricted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or National Monuments Authority (NMA).

For residential houses on plots outside these special zones, the Master Plan sets maximum heights: 15 meters for plots without pile parking and 17.5 meters for plots with pile parking. The Minister also noted that commercial activity is permitted on the ground floor of houses up to 30 meters wide along residential streets.

The Delhi Master Plan-2047 proposes the creation of a 'right to walk' network across the city, pedestrian walkways, and multi-purpose zones exclusively for pedestrians. Various amenities such as drinking water, childcare services, street vendors, bicycle rentals, and parking will be available on these newly designed streets.

Under this plan, it is proposed to create multi-purpose zones along roads that will include seating areas, bins, information boards, public conveniences, toilets, childcare rooms, access to drinking water, street vendors and kiosks, as well as communication lines, parking, and public bicycle rental systems. Clean pedestrian zones will also be ensured.

Furthermore, it is proposed to create a network of safe, shaded, universally accessible, and continuous pedestrian routes connected to public transport throughout the city. In areas with high pedestrian concentration, such as busy commercial zones, historic districts, and 24-hour economy areas, an 'active zone' will be created.

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business-standard.comAugust 20, 15:17

Delhi Master Plan until 2047 provides for construction of 4 million housing units and transit-oriented development

The government has announced the Delhi Master Plan for 2047 (MPD-2047), which forecasts that the capital will require approximately 4 million additional housing units as its population approaches 32 million by 2047.

This plan aims to meet housing demand through the redevelopment and densification of existing areas, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), land pooling, and planned expansion into new zones. Future construction will be closely linked to the availability of roads, public transport, water supply, sewage, and other infrastructure.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved MPD-2047 as a major modification of the Delhi Master Plan 2021. The new plan comes into effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Gazette of India.

Four Million Homes for Delhi's Growing Population

According to the plan, Delhi's housing need is estimated at nearly 4 million housing units between 2011 and 2047, based on an average household size of 4.5 people. Planning identified high land costs and a shortage of affordable housing as factors contributing to the growth of unauthorized settlements, slums, and denser urban villages.

MPD-2047 proposes a two-pronged strategy. In already developed or industrial areas (brownfield areas), redevelopment, regeneration, and densification are promoted through TOD, mixed-use projects, and infrastructure modernization. Existing DDA housing, cooperative housing societies, government colonies, group housing projects, and other planned residential areas can be redeveloped provided the necessary infrastructure is available.

The plan also supports the restoration of slums and jhuggi-jhopri clusters, providing a basis for the improvement, legalization, and redevelopment of unauthorized settlements. For new territories (greenfield areas), future expansion will largely be determined by the land pooling model and other policy-driven development models. The goal is to create more self-sufficient neighborhoods with a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and public functions.

TOD and Land Pooling to Transform Large Parts of Delhi

Four policy-defined areas play a key role in the new spatial strategy. Land pooling zones cover about 200 square kilometers, while low-density zones occupy approximately 150 square kilometers. TOD zones extend over about 200 square kilometers along metro corridors and around RRTS, railway, and high-speed rail stations.

An additional 20 square kilometers along the implemented Urban Extension Road II (UER-II) section have been designated as a high-density corridor zone. TOD is one of the central elements of the plan. Denser and mixed-use development is envisioned within a 500-meter corridor on both sides of existing and planned or approved metro routes, as well as within a 500-meter radius of major regional and inter-state transport hubs.

These areas can accommodate housing, offices, commercial activities, and other compatible uses, with higher building intensity aimed at placing more housing and jobs near public transport. The high-density corridor along UER-II will allow for a combination of residential development, warehousing, logistics, and commercial activities. Similar provisions may be extended to future UER sections after their construction.

Metro and RRTS Networks to Support Higher Density Development

Transport infrastructure will form the backbone of this high-density urban development model. The plan indicates that the Delhi Metro network is about 416 km and can be expanded by another approximately 279 km. The RRTS network is projected to reach a length of about 383 km, improving regional connectivity between Delhi and centers such as Ghaziabad, Meerut, Panipat, Karnal, and Alwar.

MPD-2047 seeks to integrate housing and employment with mass transit while increasing the role of walking, cycling, and other forms of active mobility. It also proposes improving last-mile connectivity and multimodal integration around transport stations. New construction must follow an 'infrastructure first' model. Projects must be guided by the availability of roads, public transport, water supply, sewerage, drainage, electricity, and digital communication to limit unplanned sprawl.

Rising Demand for Water, Waste, and Energy

Sustaining a population of 32 million will require a sharp expansion of urban services. The Delhi Jal Board estimates the need for drinking water at approximately 1600 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2047. An additional requirement of 401 MGD has been forecasted, proposing increases through short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures, including additional raw water and upstream storage projects.

It is proposed that wastewater treatment capacity reach approximately 1285 MGD by 2047, compared to the installed capacity of 814 MGD mentioned in the plan. Regarding municipal solid waste, generation is projected to almost double from approximately 13,500 tons per day in 2026 to 25,764 tons per day by 2047. Peak electricity demand at that time is estimated to reach about 25,500 megawatts.

Green-Blue Network from Ridge to Yamuna

Environmental sustainability is another key pillar of MPD-2047. The document notes that about 22 percent of Delhi is currently covered with greenery, and the plan aims to strengthen forests, biodiversity parks, urban green spaces, and ecological corridors.

The plan envisions an integrated 'green-blue' infrastructure network stretching from the Delhi Ridge to the Yamuna River, encompassing river floodplains, wetlands, lakes, drains, and other water bodies. It proposes ecological restoration, increased tree cover, improved hydrology, and nature-based measures to combat urban heat and enhance resilience to flooding and climate change.

Business Districts, Logistics, and Narela Education Hub

MPD-2047 also elevates economic development to a larger role in land-use planning. The plan proposes investment-attractive business and commercial districts with modern office spaces and transport links, as well as industrial and logistics clusters connected to highways, railways, and urban extension corridors.

A proposed 138-hectare education hub in Narela is conceived as a cluster for universities, research institutes, vocational training institutions, and startups. Specialized economic zones and mixed urban centers linked to public transport are also suggested. The private sector is expected to play a larger role in both new construction and redevelopment, including land pooling.

Plan to Be Reviewed Every Five Years

Unlike a largely static planning system, MPD-2047 mandates periodic monitoring of its implementation. A detailed review must be conducted every five years, supported by key performance indicators and annual progress monitoring. The creation of a specialized interdisciplinary monitoring unit within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), along with GIS databases and inter-agency data exchange systems, is proposed.

The plan also foresees broader use of AI-based planning, digital twin applications, and data-driven decision-making as Delhi expands, with the DDA positioned as the leading agency for the capital's next phase of urban development.

www.aajtak.inAugust 16, 14:45

New green expressway will connect Bhopal and Delhi, reducing distance and travel time

According to information, the new green expressway will allow travel from Bhopal to Delhi in just 9 hours, while reducing the distance by 100 kilometers and benefiting four states.

Previously, the train journey from Gwalior to Bhopal took about 5-6 hours. However, in the near future, the route between these two cities can be covered by car in a similar amount of time. After the construction of the Bhopal-Gwalior expressway, the current distance between the cities, which was about 425 kilometers, may be reduced to approximately 320 kilometers. Currently, this journey takes more than 7 hours, but after the appearance of the new expressway, the travel time is expected to be around 4-5 hours.

The advantages of the Bhopal-Gwalior corridor are not limited to these two cities. It will further connect Maurana, Agra, and Mathura, heading towards Delhi. This will strengthen the ties between the capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, and major cities in North India. It is planned that this corridor will eventually be integrated with the Yamuna Expressway and other main transport networks, potentially reducing the travel time by car from Bhopal to Delhi.

Improved transport accessibility is expected not only for Bhopal but also for cities such as Bhiwara, Guna, Shipuri, and Gwalior. Furthermore, it will become easier to reach Maurana, Agra, and Mathura. More reliable road connections between industrial zones and commercial centers should positively affect freight transport and commercial activity.

The Madhya Pradesh government is preparing to develop the expressway network in several stages. The second stage plans the construction of four green expressways with a total length of about 926 kilometers. These include: the Sagar-Jabalpur expressway (about 135 km), the Katni-Singarlui expressway (about 232 km), the Bhopal-Jabalpur expressway (about 239 km), and the Bhopal-Gwalior expressway (with a length of about 320 km). The goal of these projects is to create fast and high-quality road connections between major cities and economic centers of the state.

In the first stage, the government is working on the project documentation for three other green expressways: Sagar-Satana, Bhopal-Mandsaur, and Jabalpur-Ashapur. The total length of these three routes is approximately 794 kilometers. The government predicts that the construction of these roads will significantly reduce travel times between many cities.

Regarding the Bhopal-Gwalior expressway, the process is moving forward, and the necessary work is being carried out by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation. Other tasks related to the project, including land acquisition, are also ongoing. The implementation period for this expressway is set from 2026 to 2030. The main advantage is that people traveling from Bhopal to Gwalior and then to Delhi will have access to a more direct and faster route. The state aims to create an expressway network in Madhya Pradesh that effectively connects the state's main cities, industrial zones, and major cities of other regions.