DDA okays projects to enhance urban devp

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in its authority meeting chaired by Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, approved a series of projects aimed at transforming Delhi’s urban landscape and promoting inclusive development across the city.

The meeting saw approvals for several key initiatives, including changes in land use for the development of land pooling areas, redevelopment of old staff quarters, launch of new housing schemes, creation of sports and educational hubs in Narela, and extension of major urban development policies.

To expedite the implementation of Delhi’s Land Pooling Policy, the Authority approved the change of land use for 40.23 hectares of land.

The policy, which covers 105 urban villages across six planning zones, seeks to promote participatory development. Sector 8B in Planning Zone P-II has become the first Sector to achieve 70 per cent contiguous pooled land, making it eligible for development.

The DDA also granted in-principle approval for the comprehensive redevelopment of its staff quarters at Safdarjung Development Area and Old Rajinder Nagar, residential complexes built over five decades ago that now face structural and infrastructural deterioration.

The redevelopment will provide modern, safe, and well-equipped housing for government employees, with NBCC (India) Ltd appointed as the Project Management Consultant.

The initiative will follow a self-sustainable financial model, with project costs recovered from saleable built-up areas.

DDA has also been authorised to take up redevelopment of other staff quarters that have outlived their structural life.

To strengthen the city’s sports infrastructure, the Authority approved a change of land use for 30.35 hectares in Sector G-3, G-4 of Narela Sub-City to facilitate the development of a Multi-Sports Integrated Stadium and Sports Complex.

The land, previously designated for commercial and residential use, will now be used for public and semi-public purposes. The facility will be designed to host national and international sporting events and is expected to boost sports tourism, generate employment and spur regional economic growth.

Another major decision will help establish Narela as an education hub, with the DDA approving the change of land use for 4.33 hectares in Sector G-7/G-8 from residential to public and semi-public for the development of universities.

Strategically located near the upcoming DMRC Red Line extension, the education hub aims to enhance access to higher education, create new academic and employment opportunities, and promote innovation-driven growth.

Marking a new era of urban living, the authority also approved DDA’s “Towering Heights at East Delhi Hub, Karkardooma Housing Scheme 2025,” under Delhi’s first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project.

The scheme will feature 1,026 ready-to-launch 2BHK flats designed for mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly environments seamlessly integrated with public transport networks. The project will be offered through e-auction to ensure transparency and broad participation.

The DDA also extended the Enhanced Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Policy for planned commercial centres by one year. Introduced in 2018, the policy encourages optimal land use and supports planned commercial growth. The extension will enable stakeholders to utilize unclaimed FAR and generate additional revenue.

To facilitate the implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas, the DDA also approved fixation of charges such as additional FAR and TOD charges payable by developers. DDA will manage these through dedicated TOD funds for each node, to be utilised for local infrastructure and multi-modal integration.