DDA okays plan for first transit hub on model of Gurgaon's Cyber Hub

NEW DELHI: DDA's plan to create its first-of-a-kind transit hub in east Delhi's Karkardooma was approved in its meeting on Friday. Based on the model of Gurgaon's Cyber Hub, East Delhi Hub will have large walking spaces, segregated cycle lanes, tall residential towers, a huge retail space and several community parks.

Transit-Oriented Development, a concept of developing high-density townships around transport nodes, has been included in Delhi Master Plan 2021. East Delhi Hub has been set next to two Metro stations, one railway station and an interstate bus terminus.

One of the features of this hub is the manner in which traffic will be segregated. There will be dedicated bicycle lanes, and buses, cars, and two-wheelers will be kept at a distance from pavements. According to DDA officials, the new hub won't need extra water as the existing supply of 2.7 million litres per day is seen to be enough. "The best part of the project is that it won't need any additional water supply from Delhi Jal Board," said Maheish Girri, area MP.

DDA has also approved the policy of incentivizing 'green building' norms by providing them extra FAR of up to 5%. Depending on their ratings received from an agency, owners of 'green buildings' can now approach DDA to apply for more FAR.

There was good news in store for residents of group housing societies in Delhi. On Friday, DDA approved an FAR of 200 for group housing societies as stipulated in MPD 2021. According to the new policy, members of a group housing society can now avail of the extra FAR, either for individual flats or by constructing new towers if space permits, after obtaining a structural safety certificate.

DDA also announced creation of a committee to rejuvenate Yamuna. The Unified Centre for Rejuvenation of River Yamuna (UCRRY), will be headed by DDA's vice-chairperson and lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung.