The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority’s (Yeida) Master Plan-2031, paving the way for the development of the Raya Urban Centre in Mathura, located along the Yamuna Expressway.
As reported by the Hindustan Times, the Raya Urban Centre will span three square kilometers on both sides of the expressway and aims to integrate residential, religious, economic, and industrial areas. According to Yeida officials, the plan will initially cover 9,366.2 hectares, with future expansion projected to reach 11,653.76 hectares.
The development will feature various components, including residential projects, religious tourism ventures, and mixed land use in an area known for its religious heritage. Yeida CEO Arun Vir Singh highlighted the plan’s emphasis on multifaceted land usage to meet the city’s growing demands.
Significant changes to land allocation have been made in the Master Plan-2031. The land earmarked for riverfront and tourism activities will increase from 109.7 hectares to 505.65 hectares. Furthermore, the space for tourism infrastructure will grow from 731.3 hectares to 1,520.51 hectares. Singh noted that the government has approved enhancements to the riverfront area, which will include green zones, sports facilities, golf courses, and other international sports amenities.
In terms of land allocation within the Raya Urban Centre, the Master Plan includes:
- Residential Use: 2,216.25 hectares
- Current Rural Population: 416.58 hectares
- Extended Population Growth: 459.79 hectares
- Commercial Activities: 701.68 hectares
- Industrial Development: 853.46 hectares
- Mixed Land Use: 301.44 hectares
- Riverfront Area: 505.65 hectares
- Tourism Infrastructure: 1,520.51 hectares
- Office Spaces: 132.63 hectares
- Semi-Public Use: 746.83 hectares
- Public Amenities: 196.48 hectares
- Transport Infrastructure: 196.48 hectares
- Green Belts: 1,592.26 hectares
- Parks and Playgrounds: 586.87 hectares
- Recreational Green Spaces: 287.10 hectares
- Ponds and Other Water Bodies: 89.75 hectares
The master plan also reserves significant areas for green belts and recreational spaces, ensuring the preservation of natural resources.
Following the approval of the revised Master Plan-2031, which includes the Heritage City project, Yeida will initiate the land acquisition process for developing new sectors. Singh stated that modern infrastructure and facilities will soon transform the Raya Urban Centre into a thriving new city.
The master plan encompasses the notified area from the right side of the Yamuna Expressway to the Mathura-Bareilly Road, with urban development extending three kilometers on the left side of the expressway, creating a 6-kilometer-wide strip focused on industrial activities.
The detailed project report for the Heritage City has already received approval from the authority board and will soon be presented to the UP bid evaluation committee and the committee of secretaries for further approval.