Prayagraj Master Plan 2031 Expands City Limits by Adding 639 Villages
The city of Prayagraj is set for a major transformation under the newly approved Master Plan-2031, which aims to expand the city's municipal boundaries by incorporating 639 villages from the district. This expansion will increase the city's total area from 309 square kilometers to 398 square kilometers, paving the way for extensive urbanization and infrastructural growth. The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) formulated the master plan in January 2022 with the help of a specialized agency, and after multiple revisions based on public objections, it has now received final government approval.
Key Changes Under the Master Plan-2031
The new master plan introduces significant changes in land use policies, particularly converting many residential zones into commercial areas. One of the major affected areas is Civil Lines, which will now accommodate commercial developments. The proposal to change land use received feedback from the public, with approximately 485 people submitting objections and suggestions. Based on these inputs, the plan underwent three amendments before being finalized in November 2024 and subsequently sent for government approval.
Another critical aspect of the plan is the expansion of the city’s boundary area, which was previously 30,917 hectares under Master Plan-2021. With the new amendments, the total area will now increase to 36,773 hectares, an expansion of approximately 89 kilometers in radius. This growth will facilitate improved urban infrastructure and create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
New Infrastructure Developments and Land Use Policies
One of the major highlights of Master Plan-2031 is the introduction of a new land-use category called Highway Facility. This provision allows for commercial activities such as guest houses, resorts, petrol pumps, restaurants, and roadside eateries (dhaba) along Ring Road and Bypass Road. To regulate and streamline these developments, PDA will approve commercial maps specific to these zones.
Furthermore, the plan proposes a structured approach to market and street land use. Key routes within the city will see an increase in commercial developments, with both ground floor and first-floor spaces being permitted for business purposes. This shift is expected to increase municipal revenue and provide legitimacy to many previously unapproved constructions.
Impact on Residential Areas and Land Use Transformation
Under the revised plan, colonies that were initially residential but have evolved into commercial hubs over time will now be officially designated as commercial zones. The new regulation permits buildings in these areas to have a two-floor commercial setup with a single-floor residential provision. PDA has assured that this change will be assessed based on merits and demerits to ensure a balanced transition.
According to Dr. Amit Pal Sharma, Vice Chairman of PDA, the Master Plan-2031 is a major step towards urban expansion and infrastructure enhancement over the next decade. With 639 gram panchayats included in the plan, urbanization efforts will receive a substantial boost, ensuring sustainable development in the long run.
With its approval, Prayagraj’s Master Plan-2031 is set to bring extensive changes to the city's landscape. The integration of 639 villages, commercial expansion, improved infrastructure, and new land-use policies are expected to reshape the city's future, making it a more developed and well-connected urban center. The implementation of this plan over the next decade will be crucial in determining Prayagraj’s trajectory towards modernization and economic growth.