NOIDA: As Uttar Pradesh rushes to finalize the Noida International Airport, a government survey has revealed that a significant portion of industrial land along the Yamuna Expressway—projected as a major growth corridor—remains undeveloped, hindering the region’s industrial potential just months ahead of the airport’s inauguration.
The ongoing Invest UP survey, ordered by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier this year, indicates that more than 8,200 out of 33,493 industrial plots surveyed statewide are unutilized. This issue is particularly pronounced in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area, where a staggering 94% of the 3,476 plots lack any development. Of these, only eight plots are operational, 198 are under construction, and six are non-functional.
Despite the plots being allotted years ago, many allottees have delayed construction and operations. “Notices have been issued warning that plots may be canceled if progress is not made,” an official remarked.
In contrast, Noida showcases a thriving industrial environment. Out of 7,742 surveyed plots, 5,308 are currently operational, with only 497 vacancies—the lowest among all industrial authorities in the state.
According to a senior Noida Authority official, “Noida’s well-established ecosystem and consistent investor interest in sectors like electronics, IT, textiles, and engineering have sustained the region’s vibrancy.”
Greater Noida, an extension of Noida’s industrial base, exhibits a moderate vacancy rate. Among 2,677 plots, 416 (16%) are vacant, with the remainder either operational, under-construction, or non-functional. Officials attribute the slower development to land acquisition challenges and legal disputes that have stalled several projects.
The survey, which is now 77% complete, is being executed by Invest UP in collaboration with Ramtek Software Private Limited. Teams are utilizing the Nivesh Mitra single-window platform to collect GPS-tagged photographs and verified information about allottees, including GST and MSME registration details, to create a transparent, real-time database that will enhance planning and streamline industrial land allotments.
Statewide, the survey reveals uneven utilization of industrial land—51% of plots are operational, 15% are non-functional, and 25% are vacant. Under the UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), which oversees the largest network, 20% of 18,362 surveyed plots are unoccupied.
Officials have stated that the survey findings will prompt a statewide reallocation initiative. “We are preparing to cancel long-idle plots and reclaim underutilized land for new industries as Uttar Pradesh strives toward a one-trillion-dollar economy,” an official noted.
The urgency is amplified by the imminent completion of the international airport, along with other significant projects such as Film City and a proposed semiconductor manufacturing hub. There is surging demand for industrial land in the YEIDA region, yet the high number of idle plots poses a risk to its potential. “With the airport opening soon, it is crucial to activate these plots,” a senior YEIDA official commented.
Previous allotments contribute to the current situation as well. Many plots were distributed in anticipation of rapid industrial growth, but infrastructure delays, legal issues, and lack of follow-up have caused stagnation. “We’ve seen cases of allottees holding onto the land, waiting for prices to increase,” observed a local industrialist.
The survey has also identified 6,324 acres of ready-to-use industrial land and 25,476 acres of greenfield land available for allotment throughout the state. YEIDA alone possesses 633 acres of greenfield plots, while Greater Noida and Noida hold 103 and 10 acres, respectively.
