The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is preparing a sweeping urban transformation plan that could reshape how people live, commute and buy homes in the national capital, with a major push on affordable housing, planned neighbourhoods, riverfront development and better infrastructure.The roadmap, discussed at a recent meeting of the DDA’s advisory council chaired by lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, aims to tackle some of Delhi’s biggest urban challenges, including the shortage of affordable housing, traffic congestion, pollution, urban flooding, water scarcity and the redevelopment of ageing neighbourhoods.
Affordable housing, redevelopment at the centre
Officials said the council reviewed the widening gap between demand and supply of affordable housing, the spread of slums and Jhuggi Jhopri clusters, their rehabilitation, and the long-pending regularisation and redevelopment of unauthorised colonies.According to officials, the council adopted a four-pillar roadmap to build a sustainable, green and liveable Delhi, with the lieutenant governor stressing planned growth across housing, mobility, environment and heritage conservation.The discussions also covered redevelopment of existing areas, planned expansion through land pooling, and the development of low-density zones to accommodate future growth.
Massive expansion plans across Delhi
To implement the vision, the DDA outlined several large-scale projects across the city.Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) has been planned across 207 square kilometres, while over 200 sq km has been earmarked under Land Pooling Areas for future urban expansion. Developed residential areas currently cover around 700 sq km, with another 150 sq km identified as low-density zones.Among the biggest projects is a 100 sq km riverfront development in Zone-O. The authority also plans to redevelop the 24 sq km Old City area, improve the 31 sq km Bungalow Zone, and create a 20 sq km High Density Corridor along major public transport routes.
Focus on greener and more liveable neighbourhoods
Officials said the four-pillar strategy also prioritises environmental sustainability through higher per-capita green cover, interconnected green and blue infrastructure, and vibrant riverfronts.The plan also seeks to improve quality of life by strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring water security and making roads safer.To boost Delhi’s economy and preserve its identity, the roadmap includes redevelopment of commercial markets, creation of modern logistics hubs, and conservation of the city’s heritage assets as both cultural and economic drivers.During the meeting, officials also highlighted pressing concerns such as deteriorating heritage structures, worsening traffic, pollution, urban heat islands and water shortages, saying these issues require urgent intervention to support Delhi’s long-term planned growth, as per news agency PTI.
