The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has initiated a proposal to amend its Building Regulations 2010, seeking to revise the floor area ratio (FAR) for information technology (IT), IT-enabled services (ITES), and biotechnology plots. The proposal, already forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh government for approval, aims to increase the FAR from the existing level of 2 to 4 in select cases.
According to GNIDA officials, the demand for an FAR revision has emerged from both existing allottees and new investors showing interest in establishing large-scale campuses in the region. With Greater Noida positioning itself as a potential hub for global technology companies and research-driven enterprises, the Authority is attempting to create conditions that will allow greater intensity of development while ensuring land is used more efficiently.
Stakeholder Demand and Initial Review
The push for higher FAR gained momentum after representatives from IT/ITES companies argued that the present ceiling of 2 is insufficient in an expanding market where firms are seeking large office campuses and research facilities. Industry participants have suggested that an FAR of at least 3.5 would be necessary to match global planning practices and to make commercial projects financially viable.
Responding to these demands, GNIDA formed a committee of officials to study the implications. In its deliberations, the committee compared norms with those followed by other industrial development authorities. The Noida Authority, for instance, currently permits FAR of up to 2.5 on IT/ITES plots situated along roads 24 metres wide or more.
Based on this review, the committee recommended that Greater Noida should maintain the current FAR of 2 for plots on roads less than 24 metres wide but allow an FAR of 2.5 for those on wider roads. It also acknowledged that higher FAR would create additional demand on civic services such as water supply, sewerage, and road capacity, requiring systematic infrastructure upgrades.
Proposal Sent for State Government Approval
After considering the recommendations, the GNIDA board discussed the proposal on July 28. During the meeting, the chairman suggested increasing the base FAR to 3 and permitting an additional purchasable FAR of 1, taking the potential maximum up to 4. Officials clarified that purchasable FAR would only be allowed if sufficient ground coverage was maintained at the project site, in line with the current 30% ground coverage norm.
The proposal was subsequently forwarded to the state government for approval, with the understanding that any such policy shift would require parallel investments in infrastructure. Officials have indicated that revenue generated from the sale of additional FAR rights would be earmarked for upgrading pipelines, sewer systems, and arterial road networks in Greater Noida.
Economic and Urban Implications
If approved, the revision could have a significant impact on the local economy. A higher FAR will enable companies to build larger office spaces and research facilities within the same land footprint, thereby lowering the per square foot cost of development. This is expected to make Greater Noida more competitive compared to established IT hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
Industry experts believe the change will allow multinational companies, start-ups, and research institutions to consolidate operations within larger integrated campuses. This could lead to the establishment of knowledge parks, incubation centres, and research and development units, strengthening Greater Noida’s position as a regional growth centre.
The spillover benefits are also expected to extend to ancillary industries such as hospitality, retail, and logistics, which thrive on the presence of a large technology workforce. The creation of additional jobs in IT services, biotechnology research, and support functions could provide significant opportunities for skilled professionals in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Infrastructure Challenges and Planning Alignment
At the same time, higher-density development brings its own challenges. The Authority has acknowledged that civic services will come under additional pressure if FAR is doubled. This necessitates advance planning to expand the capacity of water pipelines, treatment plants, power supply systems, and traffic management frameworks.
The committee also underscored the need to align Greater Noida’s development norms with those of neighbouring Noida in order to create a uniform policy environment across the region. Officials said such alignment would help present the NCR as an integrated technology corridor, improving its ability to attract global investment.
GNIDA has stated that it is in the process of gathering public opinion before finalising the revised FAR policy. For existing IT/ITES plots, any FAR above 2 will be treated as purchasable, ensuring that developers contribute directly to the financing of the city’s infrastructure expansion.
Once the state government gives its approval, the revised FAR norms could be implemented in phases, with supporting infrastructure projects taken up in parallel. This approach is expected to prevent strain on existing services and enable sustainable high-density growth.
The proposal to revise FAR in Greater Noida reflects the Authority’s attempt to keep pace with evolving industry requirements while also ensuring that land is utilised efficiently. By offering higher buildable space, Greater Noida is positioning itself as a more attractive investment destination for companies looking to establish large-scale operations in North India.
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