The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) on Tuesday announced plans to develop a 35-kilometer-long, 100-meter-wide green belt along the Yamuna Expressway, stretching from Galgotias University to the upcoming Noida International Airport, as reported by Hindustan Times.
With an investment of ₹700 crore, the green corridor is envisioned as a major recreational and cultural attraction. YEIDA plans to issue a global tender to appoint an agency for executing the project, which aims to enhance the identity of the emerging Yamuna City and provide a family-friendly destination for visitors.
“We plan to develop ponds, lakes, water bodies, fountains, and theme-based parks to transform this into a world-class green zone,” said YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh. “Once completed, this green belt will become a unique identity marker for the Yamuna City area.”
Currently, the area lacks an iconic landmark that could distinguish Yamuna City on an international scale, unlike Noida and Greater Noida. Officials say that much of the public still considers the region beyond the Formula One circuit as part of Greater Noida or Noida. The green belt is intended to change that perception and establish a clear identity for Yamuna City.
YEIDA has notified around 250,000 hectares of land along the 165-kilometer Yamuna Expressway corridor between Greater Noida and Agra. So far, the authority has acquired approximately 20,000 hectares, with plans to acquire another 60,000 hectares as development progresses.
As part of the beautification effort, the green belt will run alongside a 60-meter-wide road that links the expressway to sectors of Yamuna City that are yet to be developed. The entire stretch will be landscaped with unique species of trees, artistic water bodies, and miniatures of India’s renowned historical and religious landmarks.
Among the planned installations are replicas of the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and prominent religious sites including the Ram Temple and the four Dhams, designed to offer both aesthetic appeal and cultural significance. Officials added that major intersections within the city will be illuminated with colorful lighting to create an inviting visual experience.
Additionally, special dining zones will be developed along the corridor to provide culinary experiences reflective of both the region and the broader Indian culture. The aim is for visitors to experience the essence of the nation’s heritage as they enter Yamuna City.
“The concept is to allow people walking through the city to enjoy glimpses of India’s cultural, historical, and spiritual richness—creating a vibrant, internationally recognizable urban space,” said Singh.
The initiative is part of a broader plan by YEIDA to position Yamuna City as the third major urban hub in Gautam Budh Nagar, following Noida and Greater Noida.