NOIDA: The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has proposed changes to its Building Regulations from 2010, specifically aiming to revise the floor area ratio (FAR) for plots designated for IT, IT-enabled services (ITES), and Biotech Parks. The proposal to increase the FAR from 2 to 4 has been submitted to the state government for approval.
According to Additional CEO Prerna Singh, both current allottees and prospective companies have expressed the need for a higher FAR. Representatives from IT and ITES sectors argue that the existing FAR of 2 does not suffice, given the area’s rapid development into a hub for investment and industrial growth.
The demand for office spaces has surged due to heightened interest from global technology corporations, allied industries, and service providers. Industry experts suggest that raising the FAR to 3.5 would better accommodate this increasing demand. A higher FAR is seen as essential for making projects financially sustainable and for optimizing land use, aligning with international urban planning standards.
In response, GNIDA established a committee to evaluate this demand and make recommendations. In a meeting on July 23, the committee proposed maintaining the current FAR of 2 for plots on roads narrower than 24m, while permitting an increased FAR of 2.5 for plots on wider roads. However, the committee also noted that such an increase would exert additional pressure on civic infrastructure, necessitating enhancements in water, sewage, and transportation services.
The committee reviewed practices from similar authorities, noting that the Noida Authority already allows an FAR of 2.5 for IT/ITES plots on roads 24m and wider. Consequently, they recommended aligning Greater Noida’s FAR policies with those of Noida.
The proposal specifies that purchasable FAR will only be permitted if there is adequate ground coverage available at the site. The current regulations allow for 30% ground coverage. Revenue from these FAR purchases is anticipated to significantly benefit the Authority, enabling investment in essential infrastructure like water systems, sewerage, and road enhancements. This investment is seen as vital for accommodating higher-density developments while maintaining city services quality, officials stated.
On July 28, the proposal was presented to the GNIDA board for review before it is sent to the state government for final approval. During the meeting, the then-chairman suggested increasing the FAR to 3, with an additional purchasable FAR of 1. The ACEO confirmed that the proposal was forwarded for governmental consideration.
“In the meantime, we are gathering public feedback on this. For existing IT/ITES plots, anything above a 2 FAR will be available for purchase,” added ACEO Singh.
The proposed FAR revision is expected to greatly enhance the availability of top-tier office and research space for the IT/ITES and biotechnology sectors. Experts assert that a higher FAR will allow developers to construct more area on the same plot, reducing costs per square foot and attracting global investors.
This initiative will facilitate both multinational corporations and startups in establishing larger campuses, R&D facilities, and service centers in Greater Noida. This, in turn, is projected to create a robust business ecosystem, support ancillary sectors like hospitality and retail, and generate thousands of jobs for skilled professionals.
By aligning its FAR regulations with those of Noida, Greater Noida stands to gain from cohesive regional growth, helping the NCR evolve into a competitive technology corridor, comparable to established hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, officials noted.
