Mumbai, Aug. 27 -- The Union government unveiled the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD 2047), outlining long-term changes for the capital. The 535-page plan proposes construction of four million (4 mn) homes and expansion of the metro rail network to 695 km by 2047 to meet demand. It includes multimodal transit hubs and a unified parking management system to improve connectivity. The roadmap is presented as aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and as a strategic framework for growth.
The plan designates hubs at Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan and Kashmiri Gate and proposes integration of buses and six new Regional Rapid Transit System corridors. A Transit Oriented Development policy is intended to facilitate affordable housing near transit nodes and to encourage compact growth. Commercial activity will be permitted on ground floors along roads 30 metres wide in residential areas. Data centres, co-working spaces and cloud kitchens are listed under a new economies category.
The master plan removes general building height norms for most of the city while protecting special zones such as the Lutyens' Bungalow Zone, certain bungalow areas, Connaught Place and the Yamuna floodplain and Ridge. For plotted residential housing outside these zones the plan prescribes a maximum height of 15 metres for plots without stilt parking and 17.5 metres for plots with stilt parking. Regeneration schemes with public spaces, schools, healthcare and childcare will be allowed a maximum floor area ratio of 350 to enable integrated redevelopment.
The plan commits to preserving 180 sq km of Yamuna floodplains and the Ridge while promoting development elsewhere. It projects support for investment, innovation and job creation for an estimated 32 million (32 mn) residents and seeks to shift urban planning from a regulatory approach to a development-oriented model. Officials expect closer coordination among the Centre, the Delhi government and civic bodies to aid implementation. The plan also states that no farmhouses will be permitted in low-density areas and recommends area-based redevelopment of unauthorised colonies.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.