The state government has announced plans for New Agra, a heritage city envisioned along the Yamuna Expressway in Agra district, under the jurisdiction of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). Covering approximately 10,500 hectares, the New Agra Urban Centre aims to become a commercial and tourism hub, incorporating 60 villages in the Etmadpur tehsil near the Taj Mahal. Developed with input from a consulting firm, the project will prioritize connectivity and environmental regulations. As the Noida International Airport prepares to open next April, New Agra is poised to enhance Agra's appeal as a tourist destination.
The state government has unveiled the initial plans for New Agra, envisioned as a heritage city along both sides of the Yamuna Expressway in Agra district. This area falls under the jurisdiction of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).
Named the "New Agra Urban Centre," the proposed development by YEIDA aims to transform approximately 10,500 hectares of land into a commercial and tourism hub, making it about half the size of Noida. The city will encompass 60 villages located in the Etmadpur tehsil near the iconic Taj Mahal.
The draft plan was developed in collaboration with a consulting firm that conducted socio-economic surveys in the area. Initially, much of the identified land was situated in Hathras district, leading YEIDA to adjust the new city's location.
The next steps involve on-site land verification to evaluate connectivity, encroachments, and other critical factors, before the final proposal is submitted to the state government for inclusion in the Master Plan 2041.
The new city is designed to leverage Agra's tourism potential, capitalizing on attractions like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, which draw both domestic and international visitors. Officials indicated that the project will enforce stringent emission regulations to safeguard the Taj Mahal, especially within the Taj Trapezium Zone. Additionally, public spaces within the new city will feature theme parks and recreational areas.
This initiative marks YEIDA's first significant urban planning project along the Yamuna Expressway near Agra and is being developed concurrently with the Noida International Airport. Set to open next April, the new airport is expected to boost tourist traffic to Agra.
YEIDA oversees a notified area that includes 1,149 villages across six districts: Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, and Agra. Among these, Mathura contains the highest number of villages (415), followed by Hathras (358), Gautam Budh Nagar (131), Bulandshahr (95), Aligarh (92), and Agra (58).
Currently, development efforts have concentrated on the notified areas in Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr, with master plans also created for Mathura and Aligarh. Areas such as Tappal-Bajna in Aligarh and Raya in Mathura are being considered for a logistics park and a heritage city, respectively.
In conclusion, the development of New Agra represents a significant step towards transforming the region into a vibrant commercial and tourism hub. As YEIDA moves forward with land verification and final proposals, the successful execution of this initiative could not only boost local tourism but also enhance the quality of life for residents, making New Agra a model for sustainable urban development in India.
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