'It's time to expand Ghaziabad': CM Yogi Adityanath announces formation of Greater Ghaziabad by merging these three areas

In a major announcement during his visit to Ghaziabad on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the state government will soon begin work on forming 'Greater Ghaziabad'. The new urban body will be created by merging Loni Nagar Palika, Khoda-Makanpur Nagar Palika and Muradnagar Nagar Palika with Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC).

Ghaziabad’s rapid urban growth behind the decision

Citing Ghaziabad’s infrastructure growth, Adityanath said, "In the last eight years, Ghaziabad has made rapid progress in every field, be it infrastructure, cleanliness or law and order. Today, it is shining as an example as it has a 12-lane expressway (Delhi-Meerut), rapid rail and airport (Hindon civil terminal). It's time to expand the city by creating Greater Ghaziabad."

The CM added, “I held talks with public representatives and work on Greater Ghaziabad will start soon.”

New wards and population to be added

The formation of Greater Ghaziabad will increase GMC’s jurisdiction from 220 sq km to nearly 300 sq km. The population under GMC will rise from 16 lakh to 25 lakh. The civic body will gain 114 new wards—55 from Loni, 34 from Khoda-Makanpur and 25 from Muradnagar—taking the total to 214.

A GMC official said, “When wards and population go up, central and state grants too rise proportionately. Besides, revenue of the municipality from property taxes will also increase. It will give greater financial leverage to Greater Ghaziabad to carry out development work in all wards.”

Old image of Ghaziabad has changed, says CM

Adityanath also said the move would benefit the three nagar palikas, which will now fall under the GMC. "There was a time when Ghaziabad was associated with gang wars and films were made on the city's gang wars. But the perception has now changed," he said.

In August last year, the state cabinet had approved the proposal to form Greater Ghaziabad, stating that a merger with GMC would help in better roads, sewerage, water, electricity, ease of business and overall living standards.

Cricket stadium project gets a push

The CM also reviewed administrative projects during his visit. He directed the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to move forward with the plan to build an international cricket stadium in Morti. "BCCI wanted to make a cricket stadium in Ghaziabad, but due to some reasons, it has not happened. I asked GDA to build and manage the cricket stadium," Adityanath said.

The proposed stadium, planned since 2014, has faced delays over land use and construction-related issues. It is expected to have a seating capacity of 55,000 and will serve as NCR’s second international cricket venue after Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla.

Other projects and announcements

Adityanath also reviewed plans for an integrated administrative complex in the city and instructed authorities to begin afforestation along the Hindon riverbanks.

He later visited Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan in Indirapuram, where he distributed kits to pilgrims starting their yatra from the facility.