UP Government Approves Master Plan 2031 Phase-2 for Yamuna Expressway Areas, YEIDA's Strategic Development Plans

In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Master Plan 2031 Phase-2 for urban centers along the Yamuna Expressway, a crucial infrastructure corridor that stretches 165 kilometers and connects various key regions in the state. The approval, announced by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), covers urban areas in Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, and Agra. This marks a critical step in the ongoing urbanization and infrastructure development along the Yamuna Expressway, with the plan aiming to meet the future growth demands of these regions. The approval also aligns with the upcoming operational launch of Noida International Airport in April 2025, which is expected to be a major catalyst for the region’s economic growth.

YEIDA’s Strategic Urban Development Plans

The Master Plan 2031 Phase-2 approval will enable YEIDA to accelerate the planning and execution of various infrastructure projects within the specified urban areas. These developments are expected to be vital in enhancing the connectivity, residential, commercial, and industrial capacities of the regions surrounding the Yamuna Expressway. According to YEIDA officials, the plan will not only create opportunities for residential and commercial developments but also improve the region’s industrial capabilities, preparing it for future growth.

YEIDA’s primary focus will be on the urban centers in the catchment areas of Noida International Airport, which is set to be operational in April 2025. The airport is anticipated to play a pivotal role in spurring economic activity in the region, leading to increased demand for residential and commercial spaces. In line with this, YEIDA is focused on developing key projects, including the Heritage City in Mathura’s Raya Urban Centre and the Logistics Park in Aligarh’s Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre.

Major Urban Centers Under Master Plan 2031

YEIDA’s Master Plan 2031 Phase-2 proposal, which was first introduced in 2012-13 but remained pending for over a decade, has finally received approval. The plan covers an area of 2,593 square kilometers in districts such as Mathura, Agra, Aligarh, and Hathras, with an additional 759 square kilometers covered under Phase-1 in Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr. YEIDA’s strategic approach will see the development of these areas to accommodate both the growing population and expanding economic activities, with significant projects already underway.

In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh government approved two major urban centers under the Master Plan-2031: Raya Urban Centre in Mathura and Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre in Aligarh. Both regions are expected to undergo major transformations in the coming years, with each offering its own set of opportunities.

Raya Urban Centre: Heritage City and Cultural Tourism Hub

The Raya Urban Centre in Mathura holds immense significance as a cultural and religious tourism hub in the Braj region, attracting visitors from around the world. In October 2024, the UP government approved amendments to the Master Plan-2031, which expanded the urban center's area from 9,366 hectares to 11,653 hectares. A key development in this region is the proposed Heritage City project, spanning 753 hectares and estimated to cost ₹7,200 crore. This project aims to transform the region into a world-class tourist destination, blending cultural heritage with modern infrastructure.

Under the framework of the Heritage City project, YEIDA will provide the land, while a concessionaire will handle development costs under a 70-year concession model. This approach is expected to attract private investment and expertise, accelerating the development process.

Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre: A Hub for Logistics and Industrial Growth

Located near the Noida International Airport in Jewar, the Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre in Aligarh is set to become a critical industrial hub for the region. YEIDA is planning the development of a 364-acre state-of-the-art Logistics Park to meet the increasing cargo demands of the National Capital Region (NCR). This logistics hub is expected to play a crucial role in improving the supply chain infrastructure and driving industrial growth in the area. As the region becomes increasingly integrated into global supply chains, the logistics park is anticipated to serve as a major contributor to the region’s economic prosperity.

New Agra Urban Centre: Commercial and Tourism Development

In Agra, YEIDA is focusing on the proposed New Agra Urban Centre, which spans 10,500 hectares along the Yamuna Expressway. This urban center is planned to be a center for commercial and tourism-driven development. Key features of the development include commercial spaces, tourism infrastructure, and recreational zones, all of which will contribute to the city’s growing economy. In addition, YEIDA is committed to ensuring that all developments in the area adhere to environmental sustainability practices, particularly under the Taj Trapezium Zone regulations, which are designed to protect the Taj Mahal and surrounding monuments from air pollution.

To facilitate the planning and execution of the New Agra Urban Centre, YEIDA has engaged a private consultant to draft a comprehensive master plan, expected to be completed within the next nine months. This will help guide the region's development, ensuring that the infrastructure meets both the current and future needs of the population.

Hathras: Future Urban Development Plans

YEIDA is also in the process of appointing a consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed urban center in Hathras. The specific development area for this region is still being finalized, but the plans indicate that Hathras will be developed to support both residential and commercial growth in the coming years. With the region’s strategic location along the Yamuna Expressway, Hathras is poised to benefit from the overall economic development taking place along this corridor.

The approval of Master Plan 2031 Phase-2 for the Yamuna Expressway areas marks a significant advancement in Uttar Pradesh’s urban growth. YEIDA’s strategic developments are set to accelerate economic progress and urbanization in the region. With Noida International Airport set to open soon, these initiatives are expected to strengthen the region’s infrastructure and economy further.