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The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), chaired by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, has given the green light to a series of major development projects that mark a new phase in Delhi’s urban transformation. Among these are Delhi’s first DDA TOD housing scheme at Karkardooma, a state-of-the-art sports and education hub in Narela, and the development of a 40.23-hectare land pooling sector.
The focus of these initiatives is to promote sustainable growth, improve land utilization, and foster inclusive development throughout the capital city.
DDA’s First TOD Housing Project: Towering Heights at Karkardooma
In a landmark move, the Authority approved Delhi’s first DDA TOD housing scheme, titled Towering Heights, under the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. The project will come up at the East Delhi Hub in Karkardooma and will include 1,026 ready-to-launch 2BHK flats.
The TOD model emphasizes creating compact, walkable, and mixed-use neighborhoods around transit corridors. It aims to encourage residents to rely more on public transportation while reducing dependence on private vehicles.
Under this DDA TOD housing scheme, the Karkardooma project will feature housing units linked with retail, office, and recreational zones, creating a self-sufficient ecosystem. Flats will be allotted through a transparent e-auction process, ensuring fairness and efficiency.
This development aligns with the Master Plan for Delhi 2041, which envisions people-friendly urban spaces connected through efficient transit systems. The project is expected to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and set a new benchmark for sustainable urban housing in the city.
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Narela’s New Vision: Sports Infrastructure and Education Hub
Another highlight from the DDA board meeting is the nod for developing Narela into a sports and education hub. The Authority has approved a major land-use change of 30.35 hectares from commercial and residential to Public and Semi-Public (PSP) for a multi-sports integrated stadium and sports complex.
This facility will be designed to host international, national, and regional sporting events significantly strengthening Delhi’s sports infrastructure. The DDA noted that the project would not only promote athletic excellence but also stimulate sports tourism and generate local employment opportunities.
In addition, DDA has approved a land-use change for 4.33 hectares to establish universities and educational institutions in Narela. This dual focus on sports and education will help position Narela as a key institutional and recreational zone in North Delhi.
Together, these developments are expected to attract hospitality and tourism players, boost economic activity, and encourage holistic regional growth.
40.23-Hectare Land Pooling Area Approved for Development
DDA also cleared a major milestone under its Delhi Land Pooling Policy, approving a 40.23-hectare area for development. This sector has achieved 70% contiguous pooled land, making it eligible for infrastructure work under the policy framework.
The Land Pooling Policy, notified in October 2018, forms part of the Master Plan for Delhi–2021. It allows private landowners to pool their parcels for systematic development with infrastructure, utilities, and public facilities provided by DDA and other agencies.
This newly approved area is part of the broader 20,422-hectare poolable land spread across 138 sectors in zones like K-I, L, N, P-II, and others. The move marks a significant step toward executing large-scale, infrastructure-ready zones that support planned urban expansion and reduce the strain on already developed parts of Delhi.
Other Major Policy Approvals by DDA
Alongside the DDA TOD housing scheme, the Authority also cleared several other critical proposals aimed at boosting Delhi’s real estate and infrastructure ecosystem.
- Enhanced FAR Policy Extended:
DDA has extended the policy allowing enhanced Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for planned commercial centers for another year. Initially introduced in 2018, this policy promotes optimal land use and incentivizes commercial development across the capital. - TOD Policy Charges Finalized:
The Authority also approved various charges under the TOD policy, including additional FAR and TOD fees payable by developers. This step ensures consistency, transparency, and smoother execution of future projects under the DDA TOD housing scheme model. - Safdarjung & Old Rajinder Nagar Redevelopment:
DDA has appointed NBCC to oversee the revamp of staff quarters in these aging residential complexes, addressing long-pending maintenance challenges. - Signature View Apartments Update:
The Authority has finalized a 10% annual rent escalation for residents of Signature View Apartments in Mukherjee Nagar ahead of their planned demolition. The new rent rates will stand at ₹50,000 for high-income group flats and ₹38,000 for middle-income group units.
These policy decisions collectively support DDA’s broader goal of efficient land management and better living standards for Delhi residents.
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Implications for Delhi’s Urban Development
The recent approvals underscore DDA’s strategic approach to city planning integrating housing, mobility, and infrastructure development in a cohesive manner.
The DDA TOD housing scheme at Karkardooma sets a precedent for future residential projects that promote high-density, transit-led growth. Similarly, Narela’s transformation into an education and sports hub is expected to create employment opportunities and attract private investment.
Meanwhile, the land pooling progress demonstrates DDA’s commitment to inclusive urban expansion, allowing both landowners and developers to benefit from planned growth. Together, these initiatives are likely to reshape Delhi’s urban fabric, promoting a more livable, connected, and sustainable metropolis.
Conclusion
The Delhi Development Authority’s latest approvals reflect a strong push toward planned, people-centric urban growth. With projects like the DDA TOD housing scheme at Karkardooma, Narela’s multi-sports and educational infrastructure, and the 40.23-hectare land pooling project, DDA is redefining how Delhi grows.
These initiatives not only support the city’s housing and infrastructure needs but also lay the foundation for a more connected, sustainable, and economically vibrant capital. As these projects take shape, Delhi moves one step closer to realizing its vision of modern urban living guided by smart planning and inclusive growth.
Ans 1. The DDA TOD housing project, named Towering Heights, is Delhi’s first Transit-Oriented Development housing scheme. Located in Karkardooma, it will offer 1,026 ready-to-launch 2BHK flats integrated with retail, office, and recreational facilities, creating a self-sufficient and well-connected neighborhood.
Ans 2. The TOD or Transit-Oriented Development model focuses on creating compact, walkable, and mixed-use neighborhoods around transit corridors. It encourages residents to rely on public transportation, reduces dependence on private vehicles, alleviates traffic congestion, and promotes sustainable urban living.
Ans 3. Narela is set to become a major sports and education hub. The plan includes a multi-sports stadium and an integrated sports complex spanning 30.35 hectares, along with universities and educational institutions on 4.33 hectares. These initiatives aim to strengthen Delhi’s sports infrastructure, attract sporting events, and generate employment opportunities.
Ans 4. DDA has approved a 40.23-hectare land pooling sector under its Delhi Land Pooling Policy. This area will now undergo systematic development with infrastructure, utilities, and public facilities. Landowners who have pooled their plots benefit from developed land in return, allowing for planned and sustainable urban expansion.
Ans 5. The Delhi Land Pooling Policy, notified in 2018, enables private landowners to pool their land for coordinated development. DDA provides essential infrastructure and public amenities, while landowners receive developed plots or other benefits, ensuring orderly growth and reducing pressure on already developed areas.
Ans 6. In addition to the TOD housing scheme and land pooling, DDA extended the enhanced Floor Area Ratio policy for commercial centers, finalized TOD policy charges for developers, approved redevelopment of Safdarjung and Old Rajinder Nagar staff quarters, and implemented a 10% annual rent escalation for Signature View Apartments residents ahead of their planned demolition.
Ans 7. These projects are expected to promote high-density, transit-connected residential growth, strengthen sports and educational infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and attract private investments. They also support inclusive urban expansion and systematic planning, helping Delhi evolve into a more connected, sustainable, and livable metropolis.
Ans 8. The flats at Karkardooma are ready-to-launch and will be allotted through a transparent e-auction process, ensuring fairness and efficiency for prospective homebuyers.
Ans 9. All the approved initiatives adhere to the Master Plan for Delhi 2041, which focuses on people-friendly, transit-connected, and sustainable urban growth while balancing residential, educational, recreational, and commercial development.
Ans 10. The Narela hub will enhance Delhi’s sports ecosystem, provide venues for regional and international events, and support educational excellence. It is also expected to boost sports tourism, stimulate local economic activity, and establish Narela as a prominent institutional and recreational zone in North Delhi.