After years of deliberation, the Uttar Pradesh government has finally approved the GIS-based Ghaziabad Master Plan 2031, bringing a comprehensive roadmap for the city’s future growth. The plan, which has been in the works for seven years, aims to accommodate Ghaziabad’s rapidly-rising population—expected to touch 64 lakh by 2031—while ensuring sustainable development and modern infrastructure, according to Magicbricks.

Covering not just the Ghaziabad city but also Loni and Modinagar, the master plan proposes significant land use changes, enhanced connectivity through transit-oriented development (TOD) zones, and earmarked areas for special development.

The master plan helps reallocate land based on the future demand of the growing population in the city. As per the plan, the total developed area has been increased to 32,017.81 hectares. It was 25,099.46 hectares in the previous plan.

The authorities have allocated an area within a 1.5 km radius of the eight Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) stations and a 500-meter stretch along the Red and Blue Line Metro corridors as TOD zones. As per the plan, these areas will have a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The FAR in these areas has been increased to 5. It was 1.5 in the previous master plan.

Two Special Development Areas have been proposed in the new Master Plan. Here are the details. These areas are also planned for higher FAR and mixed land use, providing a clear roadmap for strategic projects and long-term development.

Road Networks: The plan focuses on the expansion of development activities along key expressways. These include the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Public Transit: The plan will also help develop the RRTS and metro corridors. It will ensure that the future growth is directly tied to a robust public transportation network.

New Townships: The plan includes provisions for new industrial clusters and townships. These include a proposed logistic hub in Dasna and Fatehabad Nithora. It also includes a proposal for a new “Greater Ghaziabad” city near Muradnagar. The city will impact 20 villages in the region.

The unified master plan has divided the entire Ghaziabad region into 15 zones. There were eight zones in the previous plan. The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) will now prepare and implement micro-level zonal plans for each of these zones in a phased manner. These zonal plans will provide detailed information on social infrastructure, utilities, parks, and other facilities, ensuring planned and systematic development.

The Ghaziabad Master Plan 2031 is seen as a significant step towards unlocking the city’s potential. It will help position Ghaziabad as a major urban and industrial hub in the NCR. It will promote vertical growth, mixed-use development, and will place a strong focus on public transit. The new Ghaziabad Master Plan aims to create a more organised, sustainable, and economically resilient city. The success of the plan, however, will heavily depend on its timely and effective execution.