NEW DELHI: Delhi could see high-density residential and mixed-use development along the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), with the draft Master Plan of Delhi 2047 proposing a dedicated corridor for large-scale development along the 75-km road.The proposed High Density Corridor (HDC) Zone is aimed at bringing more homes, commercial spaces and public facilities closer to a major road network while encouraging compact and walkable development in the city’s peripheral areas.UER-II connects several parts of Outer Delhi, including Dwarka, Najafgarh, Rohini, Mundka and Narela. The road, which forms a ring around parts of the capital, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.Under the draft MPD 2047, the HDC Zone will cover a 250-metre-wide stretch on either side of UER-II, measured from the edge of the road’s right of way. The policy will apply to the executed stretch where a secondary service road is available.“The policy covers areas in Planning Zones K-I, L, N, P-I and P-II and is intended to enable seamless connectivity, reduce travel demand and optimise the utilisation of road and public transport infrastructure while fostering sustainable, walkable urban growth along the executed stretch of UER-II,” the draft plan states.
What is the High Density Corridor?
The HDC policy essentially creates a framework for allowing denser development along UER-II. It is intended to make better use of land around the road while bringing residential, commercial and public facilities closer to transport infrastructure.However, only plots meeting specific conditions will qualify. An eligible HDC plot must have a final area of at least 4,000 square metres after surrendering 50% of an original plot measuring at least 8,000 square metres.At least 75% of the final plot must fall within the HDC Zone, and it must be accessible from a road with a minimum right of way of 18 metres. The plot must also form part of the notified Road Network Plan for the relevant Land Pooling Area.The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will prepare a Road Network Plan for the HDC Zone, covering new roads, widening of existing roads and upgrades to pedestrian and non-motorised transport infrastructure.
What is allowed?
The policy proposes a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 400 for residential, commercial and public-semi-public uses, with ground coverage capped at 40%.It also requires 20% of the permissible FAR for these uses to be used for affordable housing, with dwelling units having a carpet area of less than 60 square metres.The plan allows vertical mixed-use development, meaning residential and non-residential uses can be combined within the same building, subject to applicable regulations.“Separate entry and exits and service cores are to be provided as required in buildings with vertical mixed residential and non-residential uses, in compliance with statutory requirements,” the draft plan states.Master Plan roads connecting with UER-II may also be developed as warehousing and logistics nodes, with a maximum FAR of 120.
Parking, EV infrastructure
Residential, commercial and public-semi-public developments will require two equivalent car spaces (ECS) per 100 square metres of FAR. Warehousing and logistics developments will require one ECS per 100 square metres.Developers will also have to provide loading and unloading facilities within the plot, along with universal accessibility and electric vehicle infrastructure as required under the prevailing Unified Building Bye-Laws.The HDC policy will not apply to environmentally sensitive areas, low-density areas, monument prohibited areas, heritage buildings, cantonment and defence areas, or other areas that may be excluded by the DDA.
