After nearly two years of discussions, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) board has approved the draft of the unified Master Plan 2031, covering Ghaziabad, Loni, and Modinagar/Muradnagar. The plan outlines the development of approximately 33,543 hectares, with Ghaziabad accounting for 18,687 hectares, Modinagar 6,874 hectares, and Loni 7,980 hectares.

To accommodate a projected population of 4.8 million by 2031, the GDA has allocated 39.8% of the land (12,873 hectares) for residential purposes and 2.2% (702 hectares) for commercial use. Transit-oriented development (TOD) zones are also included along the rapid rail and metro corridors, with a Special Development Area planned near the Duhai RRTS depot.

The master plan draft will now be sent to the state government for final approval. Initially, the plan faced delays, including the need to integrate TOD zones and address public objections. After multiple revisions, the GDA addressed concerns raised by the state government and divisional commissioner, ensuring the city's comprehensive development along key infrastructure routes like rapid rail, metro, and expressways.

(ET)