Yogi Government Pushes Planned City Near Agra as New Agra Master Plan Moves Ahead

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority advances the New Agra master plan for expert scrutiny to finalise a 12,200 hectare urban centre across 58 villages. The project prioritises sector-based zoning, green spaces, housing for about 14.6 lakh residents, and non-polluting industries to balance jobs, housing and services.

Work on the New Agra project is moving faster, with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority sending its draft master plan for expert review. The plan aims to create a planned urban centre on land from 58 villages in Agra district, designed to house around 14.6 lakh residents with full basic services.

The master plan has been forwarded to the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi for technical scrutiny. Officials have asked the institute to study the document and return a detailed report within one month, including professional suggestions that will then be used to refine and finalise the New Agra blueprint.

New Agra project land use and urban planning

According to authority officials, work on the scheme will begin only after approvals from the board and the Uttar Pradesh government. The notified area falls under phase two of the Yamuna Authority, covering 12,200 hectares spread across 58 identified villages, where the New Agra Urban Centre will be laid out as a planned city.

Planners state that the development model for New Agra takes cues from Chandigarh, with an emphasis on sector-wise zoning and open spaces. Within the proposed master plan, 2,501 hectares have been marked as residential zones, accounting for 27.7 per cent of the developed area, where housing and related amenities for 14.6 lakh people will be arranged.

New Agra project jobs, industry and services

The authority expects the New Agra project to generate substantial employment through tourism, industrial activities and commercial hubs. Estimates suggest that nearly 8.5 lakh jobs could be created once these segments are built out. The layout gives particular weight to tourism-related infrastructure and green spaces, keeping Agra’s heritage and environment in view.

To keep the new city comparatively clean, the plan focuses on non-polluting sectors. Preference will go to manufacturing units with low emissions, along with agriculture-based industries and information technology and IT-enabled services. An area of 1,813 hectares is earmarked for such industries, while another 447 hectares will feature mixed-use sectors combining work, housing and services.

Commercial development also features in the New Agra project, with 340 hectares planned as dedicated business areas. These zones will include retail shops, office complexes and organised commercial centres, intended to support both local residents and visitors. The mix of residential, industrial and commercial land aims to balance jobs, housing and services within the same urban footprint.

Authority officers stress that Agra’s sensitivity, both historically and environmentally, guides every choice in the New Agra project. Shailendra Bhatia, ACEO, YEIDA, said, '“Agra is environmentally sensitive and historically significant. Special care will be taken while developing New Agra. The master plan is being reviewed by the School of Planning and Architecture. After this, further work on the master plan will begin.”