State’s commercial skyline set for major shift with proposed FAR hike

In a move set to reshape Haryana’s commercial landscape, the Nayab Singh Saini Government has proposed sweeping amendments to urban planning norms, allowing a floor area ratio (FAR) of up to 250 per cent for various categories of commercial buildings.

Will generate more revenue for exchequer

- The enhanced construction rights will come at a cost. Applicants opting for the higher FAR will need to pay proportionate External Development Charges (EDC) and conversion charges, among other government levies

- The proposals include a maximum FAR of 250% for biotechnology parks, IT parks, cyber parks and technology parks, as well as for the apparel and footwear industries

- The draft amendments propose an FAR of 175% for commercial colonies, which include shopping malls, multiplexes, department stores, integrated commercial complexes, service apartments, hotels and offices

However, the enhanced construction rights will come at a cost. Applicants opting for the higher FAR will need to pay proportionate External Development Charges (EDC) and conversion charges, among other government levies.

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), led by Director Amit Khatri, has mooted significant amendments to the Haryana Building Code, 2017. The proposals include a maximum FAR of 250 per cent for biotechnology parks, IT parks, cyber parks and technology parks, as well as for the apparel and footwear industries.

In a notable push for the digital economy, data centres engaged in building and operating facilities to house computer systems and components have been proposed a massive FAR of 500 per cent, with 60 per cent maximum ground coverage.

Category-wise FAR proposal

The draft amendments propose an FAR of 175 per cent for commercial colonies, which include shopping malls, multiplexes, department stores, integrated commercial complexes, service apartments, hotels and offices. Similarly, big-box retail stores would also be allowed 175 per cent FAR.

The DTCP has invited objections and suggestions from the public and stakeholders by November 28.

Further, starred hotels, resorts, motels and restaurants are proposed to be allowed 175 per cent FAR as well. Additionally, starred hotels may include a 15 per cent commercial component, while restaurants may have a 10 per cent commercial component.

For banquet halls, the proposed minimum plot area is 2.5 acres, with 50 per cent FAR and an additional 10 per cent FAR permitted for ancillary facilities like gift shops, toy centres and flower shops.

Dhabas are proposed an FAR of 40 per cent, with up to 50 sq m allowed for commercial kiosks.

Under the new framework, general industries will be entitled to an FAR of 150 per cent, while amusement parks will get 50 per cent FAR with an additional 15 per cent commercial component.

What increased FAR means

Urban planners say the move will unlock more commercial space and boost business growth, but it will also add pressure on civic infrastructure.

Higher FAR will provide additional commercial area to property owners; generate more revenue for the state exchequer through proportional EDC and conversion fees; and potentially strain existing urban infrastructure if not accompanied by capacity upgrades.

The proposed changes mark one of the most significant overhauls in Haryana’s commercial development norms in recent years and are expected to trigger a new wave of real estate activity across the state’s key business centres.