Coming in March: Policy to redevelop urban facilities around transit hubs

‘Transit Oriented Development’ plan aims to alter city’s landscape, cover 20 per cent of Delhi.

3 min readNew DelhiFeb 23, 2015 02:34 AM IST First published on: Feb 23, 2015 at 02:34 AM IST

The plan will keep a third of transport hubs for housing.

With approval from the Delhi Lt-Governor, Delhi Development Authority is all set to implement its ambitious plan to synergise transport and land use. Expected to be notified by the Union ministry of urban development next month, the authority’s policy on “Transit Oriented Development” or TOD will alter the city’s landscape, impacting approximately 20 per cent of Delhi’s land space.

The policy, which seeks to benefit those living around Delhi Metro corridors by integrating their lands under the policy of mixed land use, will shift to a holistic paradigm of planning where all sectors including urban design, infrastructure, transport and mobility will come together to offer a more planned growth for the city.

Officials said this means providing a variety of high-density mixed land use within a short distance of a rapid public transport network and near transit stations, which will encourage more people to use public transport, limiting urban sprawl.

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Sources in the DDA said the chapter on transportation in the Master Plan 2021 will now be revised after the ministry’s notification. The approval was obtained at a meeting with the L-G last week. Following this, the policy will be turned into norms through “zonal development plans” and “layout plans”.

Officials said the idea is to encourage pedestrian movement, use of public transport, thereby reducing congestion and contributing to a cleaner environment. Sources said that from now on, all future metro projects in Delhi will, while complying with TOD norms, take into account the 500 meter influence zone around each corridor. Existing corridors will be redeveloped over time.

Explaining the policy, a senior DDA official said, “A TOD zone, which extends 500 metre on either side of an identified Delhi Metro corridor, allows landowners in the area to avail 400 FAR (floor area ratio) on redeveloping their land. With a minimum plot size of one hectare, a land-owner can submit his redevelopment plan, provided it meets certain criteria — 30 per cent for residential use, 10 per cent for commercial use and 10 per cent for facilities which may include recreational establishments or necessary facilities like hospitals and schools.”

“Boundary walls around buildings won’t be allowed, which will ensure greater ground visibility and safety of women. With the idea of mixed land use being prioritised, shops will ensure a dense street which will also ensure safety. Water recycling will also be prioritised. Recreation facilities will be introduced, as will more colleges and hospitals,” said the official.

The mixed land use policy will not compromise on privacy of residential plots. “In developed cities worldwide, we see residential and commercial establishments in one street. But entrances to residential plots are secure and do not interfere with those along the marketplace. Mixed land use would ensure optimum utilisation of space by focusing more on vertical growth,” said a senior DDA official.