In a major development bid, Uttar Pradesh government has planned a new city near Agra to handle the population rush when the Jewar airport becomes operational. Meanwhile, PM Shri Narendra Modi has also announced development projects worth Rs 34k crore for the state. A report by SURFACES REPORTER.
A 10,500 Hectare city
According to the reports, the planned city will come up along the Yamuna Expressway around 190 km from Noida and 150 km from Agra. It will be spread across 10,500 hectares, which is approximately half the size of Noida.
The government has anticipated a major surge in population as the Noida Internation Airport in Jewar become operational later this year. To handle this, the new city will be a well-planned development for which the Yamuna Expressway Authority (YXPA) has invited consultants to create a 10-year master plan. The master plan will address various aspects including transportation links with other cities, environmental impact assessment, and strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the official document shared by the YXPA with the consultants, the city development project aims at enhancing investment climate and promote economic development through the creation of a sustainable environment.
Plan is in motion for Aligarh, Mathura and Agra
The jurisdiction of the YXPA spans along the 165km-long expressway, including Noida, Bulandshahr, Mathura, Aligarh, and Agra. While master plans have already been developed for Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, and Mathura, Agra has been lacking such a plan. Therefore, the new plan will be specifically being made for the development of the region surrounding the tourist city.
Also, given the significance of the Taj Mahal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the environmental impact of the new city is of utmost importance. Hence, only green industries will be promoted in order to regulate pollution risks.
PM Modi launched projects worth 35k Crore for Uttar Pradesh
In a separate development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for several development initiatives worth over Rs 34,000 crores at an event at Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. The initiative includes road projects valued at almost Rs 11,500 Cr in order to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and foster socioeconomic advancement in the region.
He also inaugurated multiple other road projects totaling over Rs 19,000 crore. Among the projects inaugurated are three segments of the four-lane Lucknow Ring Road and the six-laning of the Chakeri to Allahabad Section of NH-2.
In addition, he also laid the foundation stone for several rail projects totalling approximately Rs 8,200 crore, aimed at bolstering rail infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.