“Uttar Pradesh has approved GIS-based master plans for 56 of its 59 cities, aiming for sustainable urban growth. The plans, leveraging geospatial technology, focus on transit-oriented development, vertical expansion, and enhanced connectivity. Ghaziabad’s Master Plan 2031, covering 32,017.81 hectares, targets a population of 6.47 million, with only Kanpur, Rampur, and Ghaziabad awaiting final approval.”
Uttar Pradesh’s 56 Cities Set for GIS-Driven Urban Transformation
The Uttar Pradesh government has greenlit geographic information system (GIS)-based master plans for 56 out of 59 cities, marking a significant step toward structured urban development. These plans, designed to integrate advanced geospatial technology, aim to streamline land use, enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable growth across the state’s urban centers. Only Kanpur, Rampur, and Ghaziabad are pending final approval, with reviews expected soon.
Ghaziabad’s Master Plan 2031, recently approved, exemplifies this initiative. Covering 32,017.81 hectares—a 27.56% increase from the 2021 plan—it is designed to accommodate a projected population of 6.47 million by 2031. The plan allocates 12,869.32 hectares for residential use, 744 hectares for commercial activities, 3,531.15 hectares for industrial purposes, 552.74 hectares for mixed land use, 6,032.44 hectares for recreational spaces, and 4,120.95 hectares for transport-related infrastructure. Two special development areas (SDAs) in Guldhar (510.56 hectares) and Duhai (549.5 hectares) will feature higher floor area ratios to encourage vertical growth and mixed-use development, aligning with global urban planning trends like those in Singapore and Hong Kong.
The GIS-based approach enables planners to analyze spatial data, transportation nodes, and regional connectivity, ensuring efficient land management. “By processing geospatial data, urban planners can understand development strategies, transportation networks, and regional settings,” a senior housing department official stated. The plans also incorporate transit-oriented development (TOD), promoting public transport and reducing reliance on private vehicles, with Ghaziabad’s eight operational Namo Bharat stations under the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) serving as a model.
Industry leaders have hailed the initiative. Vikas Bhasin, MD of Saya Group, noted that infrastructure upgrades, including expressways and metro expansions, have already boosted Ghaziabad’s livability. Vikas Tomar of Square Yards emphasized that the plan repositions Ghaziabad as a self-sustained growth hub, moving beyond its image as a Delhi-Noida spillover. Amit Modi of County Group highlighted the plan’s focus on people-centric, sustainable development, making Ghaziabad attractive for future investments.
The state’s broader initiative, part of the centrally funded Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), mandates GIS-based master plans for planned urban growth. Of the 59 targeted cities, eight had their plans approved last year, while 28 are in the final scrutiny stage, and 23 are being drafted. The approval of these plans unlocks central government grants, ensuring financial support for implementation. However, delays occurred due to expanded consultant scopes, which now include city logistics, transit zones, and green corridors.
The master plans aim to address India’s urban planning challenges, with a 2021 NITI Aayog report noting that 65% of Indian cities lack a master plan, leading to haphazard growth. The use of GIS technology, coupled with drone-based surveys and urban geo-portals, is expected to enhance transparency and accessibility, allowing stakeholders to view land use and zoning details online.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Uttar Pradesh housing department, and industry insights. Information is sourced from reputable publications like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and Indian Masterminds. Readers are advised to verify details with official government sources for accuracy.