NOIDA: UP govt has approved the second phase of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority‘s Master Plan 2031, paving the way for infrastructure and urban development across Mathura, Agra, Aligarh, and Hathras. With the state govt nod, the Authority can now plan major industrial, residential, and commercial projects in the region.
YEIDA’s notified area covers 3,352 sq km across 1,149 villages in six districts – Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Agra, Aligarh, Mathura, and Hathras. Master Plan 2031 is divided into two phases – Phase I spans 759 sq km across GB Nagar and Bulandshahr, while Phase II covers 2,593 sq km in urban centres across Mathura, Agra, Aligarh, and Hathras.
Currently, all active development programs, land acquisition, and land allotment are taking place under Phase I of the Master Plan.
Meanwhile, YEIDA has prepared detailed project reports (DPRs) and is in the process of selecting developers for two urban nodes in Mathura (Raya Urban Centre) and Aligarh (Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre), which fall under Phase II. It has also engaged a consultant to prepare the DPR for the New Agra Urban Centre and is planning to hire another consultant to prepare the DPR for the Hathras Urban Centre.
Development is expected to accelerate in these four cities. Alongside major projects like the Heritage City and the Logistics Park, YEIDA will be able to advance other industrial, residential, and commercial projects while expediting the process of land acquisition.
YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh said, “Phase II was first proposed in 2012-2013 but remained pending for 13 years. Due to the delay, the state govt approved two key urban nodes – Tappal-Bajna in Aligarh and Raya Urban Centre in Mathura – in 2017, which initiated the development of these areas. The Raya Urban Centre focuses on the Heritage City project, while the Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre in Aligarh is envisioned as a logistics hub.”
In a letter dated March 20, principal secretary Alok Kumar informed the YEIDA CEO of the approval and added that no amendments to the plan can be made without prior govt approval and mandated strict adherence to existing legal provisions. Now, YEIDA will be able to accelerate land acquisition and project execution across the region.
The Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre covers 11,104 hectares, the Raya Urban Centre spans 11,654 hectares, and the New Agra Urban Centre is planned to come up across 12,200 hectares. Currently, YEIDA is in the process of hiring a consultant to prepare the DPR for the Hathras Urban Centre, with the development area set to be finalised soon, officials said.
The Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre will include a 364-acre Logistics Park, designed to serve as an industrial township with modern amenities and robust connectivity. This park is expected to attract significant corporate and industrial investments.
While YEIDA initiated the developer selection process in Feb 2023 under a public-private partnership (DBFOT) model, it has failed to attract bidders so far. The Authority plans to issue a revised Request for Proposal (RFP) soon.
Meanwhile, a key highlight of the Raya Urban Centre is the Heritage City project, a 753-hectare cultural and tourism hub estimated to cost Rs 7,200 crore. YEIDA will provide the land, while a concessionaire will cover development costs and pay an annual premium to the authority over a 70-year concession period.
At present, a consultant has been tasked with preparing bid documents for a global tender.
YEIDA is also spearheading the creation of the New Agra Urban Centre — a heritage city planned along both sides of the Yamuna Expressway in Agra district. A private consultant has been engaged to prepare a detailed master plan, with a nine-month timeline for completion.
“With the Noida International Airport serving as a critical growth catalyst, the four new urban centres are poised to become pivotal hubs for economic and tourism activities along the Yamuna Expressway, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban planning in the region,” the YEIDA CEO said.
