UrbanDevelopment – NCR Plans Four New Smart Cities to Manage Future Population Growth
UrbanDevelopment – The National Capital Region is set to witness a major transformation with plans for four newly proposed cities, branded as “Namo Nodes,” aimed at accommodating the region’s rapidly rising population while maintaining environmental protections and balanced urban growth.
The decision was approved by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) during a high-level meeting held in Delhi on Tuesday. The proposed greenfield cities will be developed across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The Union government has allocated ₹5,000 crore for the project over the next five years, underscoring its commitment to long-term regional development.
New Urban Centres Planned Across NCR
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal announced that the four large urban centres will be developed alongside the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network. According to the plan, each participating state will host at least one major city, while Delhi will get a new sub-city. State governments have been asked to submit three potential proposals each, with the final locations to be selected through a competitive evaluation process.
The proposed cities derive their identity from the Namo Bharat train service, which operates under the RRTS framework. Authorities expect these future-ready urban hubs to reduce pressure on existing cities and improve regional connectivity.
Population Growth Drives Long-Term Planning
The initiative comes at a time when the NCR’s population is projected to increase significantly. Officials estimate that the current population of around 7.5 crore could rise to nearly 15 crore within the next 15 years.
To address this challenge, planners are focusing on creating cities equipped with modern infrastructure, efficient public transport systems, affordable housing options and environmentally responsible development models. The objective is to ensure that future growth remains organised and sustainable rather than placing excessive strain on existing urban centres.
Regional Plan 2041 Nears Finalisation
The meeting was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma and Rajasthan Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra.
Following discussions among stakeholders, officials reached agreement on key components of the NCR Regional Plan 2041. Authorities indicated that the plan is expected to receive final approval and be formally notified within the next two months.
States Begin Identifying Potential Locations
As part of the process, Uttar Pradesh proposed five possible sites for future greenfield development: Jewar, Dadri, Khurja, Bulandshahr and Noida. These locations are being considered for their potential to absorb future urban demand and support economic expansion beyond Delhi.
Rajasthan officials stated that smaller towns within the state would be evaluated before final recommendations are submitted. Similar assessments are expected from Haryana and Delhi as authorities work toward selecting the most suitable sites.
NCR Boundaries and Environmental Protections Retained
The planning board also considered proposals related to the geographical extent of the NCR. After detailed deliberations, members agreed that the region’s existing boundaries would remain unchanged.
Environmental protection remained a central theme during the discussions. The board decided to retain the limits of the Natural Conservation Zone, a move intended to safeguard the sensitive Aravalli landscape. Officials also reaffirmed that environmental directions issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal would continue to be respected during future development activities.
Measures to Improve Sustainability
The Regional Plan 2041 divides the NCR into multiple planning zones, including a core area located between the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal and Kundli-Manesar-Palwal expressway corridors.
Additional measures discussed include the phased removal of vehicles older than 15 years from NCR towns. Authorities also proposed incentives linked to vehicle replacement, with government support expected to encourage the transition toward cleaner and more efficient transport options.