NOIDA: The Yamuna Authority (YEIDA) has engaged Aarvee Engineering Consultants Limited, based in Telangana, to develop a master plan for the nearly 4,000-hectare Hathras Urban City. This blueprint will guide the city’s development for the next two decades, extending to 2041.
Aarvee Engineering was chosen through a competitive bidding process, quoting Rs 1.25 crore for their services. The firm is expected to complete the project within nine months from the start date, excluding final statutory approvals. The process will begin with an inception report within 15 days, followed by assessments of existing conditions, vision planning, draft master plan preparation, stakeholder engagement, and final approvals.
Hathras is one of four urban nodes, alongside Aligarh, Mathura, and Agra, envisaged under Phase II of the Yamuna Expressway Master Plan. Officials indicate that this urban center is intended to become a major industrial and residential hub, focusing on large-scale manufacturing, agro-based industries, and logistics. The initiative aims to foster MSME growth, enhance exports, create extensive job opportunities, and provide modern housing and civic amenities.
Planning documents highlight industries earmarked for the urban center, including agro and food processing, dairy and beverages, carpet manufacturing, ready-made garments, fabricated metal products, machine tools, electrical appliances, and small vehicles. Future phases may also promote advanced manufacturing sectors, such as medical and surgical equipment and power-generation machinery.
YEIDA officials believe Hathras could develop into a satellite town for Agra, benefiting from its closeness to significant markets and tourist attractions. Currently, Hathras boasts a robust MSME and cottage industry base, with approximately 10,293 registered units, primarily in clusters focused on agro-processing, hosiery and garment manufacturing, glass bead creation, anklet production, chemicals, handicrafts, and metal crafts. While these sectors are labor-intensive and demand relatively low investments, officials note that infrastructure deficiencies impede their growth.
The master plan will adhere to the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation Guidelines 2014, the UP Industrial Area Development Act of 1976, and other relevant regulations. It will be created in GIS format to evaluate the region’s carrying capacity, considering factors such as population growth, employment forecasts, infrastructure needs, environmental sustainability, and natural resources.
Key tasks include assessing existing infrastructure, developing zoning and land-use plans, creating urban design guidelines, proposing self-financing infrastructure projects, and establishing a disaster management plan. The consultant will also recommend policy changes and an implementation framework.
Officials mentioned that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would serve as a blueprint for transforming Hathras, guiding land acquisition, infrastructure development, and future growth.
