NOIDA: UP govt is planning a new city off the Yamuna Expressway near Agra. Called New Agra Urban Centre, the city will come up on 10,500 hectares, which is half the size of Noida.
The Yamuna Expressway Authority (YXPA) has invited consultants to prepare a master plan. The consultant, officials said, will suggest a roadmap for growth, means of transport linking it with other cities, and the environmental impact, which is mandatory for any large project to get clearance.
The new city will create more urban space for the population surge that is likely to be triggered by the Noida International Airport over the next few years. The airport, which is expected to see passenger operations later this year, will also bring in more tourists – both domestic and international. And since the airport in Jewar will be closer to Agra – where Taj Mahal is the biggest draw – than Delhi’s IGI, it’ll act as the aviation gateway to one of the seven wonders of the world.
Hence, space for more tourism facilities will also be needed.
The project, according to the document shared by YXPA with consultants, will “enhance investment climate, and promote the economic development of the area through creation of a sustainable environment”. “In this regard, the Authority intends to select an agency for preparation of Master Plan 2031 for Agra Region,” it says.
Land along the 165km-long expressway, not just in Noida but also Bulandshahr, Mathura, Aligarh and Agra, comes under the jurisdiction of YXPA. Officials said they would need to prepare a separate 10-year master plan for Agra since it is not in NCR.
“We have had master plans for not just Gautam Budh Nagar, but Aligarh and Mathura too. However, there was no such plan for Agra till now. So, we are in the process of hiring a consultant to prepare a plan for developing the region around the tourist city,” said Shailendra Bhatia, an officer on special duty at YXPA.
The environmental impact of the new city, Bhatia explained, is important because of the Taj Mahal. “Only green industries can be promoted so that the risks of pollution are regulated. No polluting activity can be allowed around the monument,” Bhatia added.
The master plan for the new city will take into account footfall at the Noida airport in the initial years.
“The airport will definitely become one of the key driving forces of the region. So, quality of life, amenities and even natural resources have to be taken into account. Since pollution is a crucial factor here, the plan will suggest measures to avoid potential adverse implications on existing resources, such as agricultural hinterland with canals and rivers, heritage precincts, water bodies and so on,” the official said.
YXPA has control over a total of 1,149 villages across six districts – Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, and Agra. At 415, Mathura has the most number of villages, Hathras has 358, Gautam Budh Nagar 131, Bulandshahr 95, Aligarh 92 and Agra 58.
The Noida International Airport in Jewar, which is also along the Yamuna Expressway, is scheduled to be commissioned this Oct. Construction work has been progressing on schedule. The runway and air traffic control tower are likely to be completed this month while work on the terminal building has moved from the structure to the interiors.
