NEW DELHI: The National Capital Region’s Regional Plan 2041 proposes the establishment of up to eight new greenfield townships along with a high-speed transport network aimed at facilitating travel between Delhi and key NCR cities within 30 minutes.
This draft plan, which will be reviewed during the NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) meeting on June 16, sets out a long-term strategy for decentralized urban expansion by creating new economic and residential hubs in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The initiative highlights the need for new settlements to be self-sustaining and furnished with modern civic infrastructure, taking cues from leading smart city projects developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
A standout aspect of the plan is the “30-minute NCR” initiative, which envisions high-speed rail systems and heli-taxis to drastically cut travel times across the NCR.
The proposal includes exploring the feasibility of rapid rail connections linking Delhi to major urban centers in NCR within half an hour, with objectives for one-hour connectivity via conventional rail and two to three-hour road access.
The plan encourages institutions throughout NCR to establish necessary housing facilities, preferably utilizing institutional land, to meet their housing requirements, including residential apartments, hostels, and transit housing. These institutions may utilize 15-20% of their allocated land for student, staff, and worker housing.
The aim is to foster walk-to-work and walk-to-study environments, thereby minimizing reliance on long commutes.
With forecasts suggesting that Delhi-NCR could become the largest urban agglomeration globally by 2030, outpacing Tokyo, the plan anticipates the accommodation of over 30 million additional residents within the next 15 years.
To address the housing, transport, and civic infrastructure needs, an investment of approximately Rs 20 lakh crore will be required.
