UP government approves Master Plan 2031 for Yamuna Expressway

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Master Plan 2031 Phase-2 for areas along the Yamuna Expressway. This plan focuses on urban development in the districts of Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, and Agra. The decision is linked to the upcoming opening of Noida International Airport in April 2025. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) will now move forward with infrastructure projects in these areas. This includes plans for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Yeida aims to address future needs related to the new airport and expedite important projects like the Heritage City in Mathura and a Logistics Park in Aligarh. Yeida’s chief executive officer, Arun Vir Singh, noted that the approval will help speed up land acquisition and project execution. This comes after years of delays in the planning process. The Master Plan covers 3,352 square kilometers across six districts, managing urban development related to more than 1,000 villages. In 2017, two urban centers were previously approved under this master plan: the Raya Urban Centre in Mathura and the Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre in Aligarh. The Raya Urban Centre is significant for cultural tourism and has seen its area expanded recently. The Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre will have a large Logistics Park to support industrial growth near the new airport. The new Agra Urban Centre is also part of the plan, focusing on commercial, tourism, and recreational development. Yeida is working with a private consultant to finalize a comprehensive plan, expected to be ready within the next nine months. Additionally, plans are underway for developing a new urban center in Hathras.