A new urban development initiative is set to be launched on the periphery of Agra, featuring townships named after India’s revered rivers, ranging from Sindhu to Kaveri.
Dubbed the Greater Agra project, this extensive endeavor will cover an area of 450 hectares across the villages of Raipur and Rehankalan in Agra district. It will consist of ten uniquely themed townships: Sindhupuram, Gomtipuram, Gangapuram, Yamunapuram, Betwapuram, Mahanadipuram, Narmadapuram, Godavaripuram, Krishnapuram, and Kaveripuram.
Developed under the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Urban Expansion Scheme, the project is projected to cost approximately Rs 5,142 crore, which includes Rs 870 crore allocated for land acquisition and Rs 4,272 crore earmarked for infrastructure development. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement regarding this project on Tuesday.
In a statement to The Indian Express, M Arunmozhi, Vice Chairman of the Agra Development Authority (ADA), explained, “As Agra faces saturation, the goal of this project is to expand the city similarly to Greater Noida. This Greater Agra will be adjacent to the Agra Ring Road and will have access to both the Yamuna Expressway and the Lucknow-Agra Expressway.”
UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized that the names of the townships are more than mere labels; they serve to ground the city’s expansion in its cultural heritage.
Officials noted that the initiative seeks to tackle familiar urbanization challenges. With cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) like Noida and Gurgaon experiencing escalating pressure, Greater Agra is being positioned as a viable alternative for growth, providing ample space and connectivity while avoiding congestion. An official further highlighted the project’s unique cultural context.
The Greater Agra Project aims to redefine Agra’s image beyond its established reputation as a tourism destination focused on the Taj Mahal.
In practical terms, the plan envisions a well-equipped urban environment. Approximately 4,700 plots are set to be developed for residential, group housing, commercial, and mixed-use purposes, with the capacity to accommodate around 150,000 residents.
The vision includes creating self-sufficient communities where essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, banks, community centers, and emergency services are integrated into the master plan from the outset rather than tacked on later.
Infrastructure is a central element of this project. Plans include a state-of-the-art road network, sewage and water treatment facilities, power substations, and solid waste management systems—features deemed crucial to prevent the unplanned urban sprawl seen in older urban centers.
The proposed transportation network will connect to a new 100-meter-wide Inner Ring Road, along with links to the Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, and various national highways.
The Greater Agra Project’s location near the Yamuna River and the Kuberpur railway station is anticipated to enhance mobility and commercial activities.
Within the townships, planners have committed to designating at least 15 percent of the land for green spaces, including parks, recreational areas, and sports facilities.
Additionally, certain areas will serve specific functions; for instance, Yamunapuram will be developed as a commercial center, while Kaveripuram will focus on water-related recreational activities, according to an official source.
The economic ramifications of the project are expected to be significant. “In addition to construction, the project is projected to create job opportunities in services, trade, and industry,” stated an official.
Below is a breakdown of the ten townships and their respective areas:
- Sindhupuram – 28.28 hectares
- Gomtipuram – 47.31 hectares
- Gangapuram – 49.31 hectares
- Yamunapuram – 43.77 hectares
- Betwapuram – 30.06 hectares
- Mahanadipuram – 33.05 hectares
- Narmadapuram – 44.88 hectares
- Godavaripuram – 43.81 hectares
- Krishnapuram – 43.45 hectares
- Kaveripuram – 49.26 hectares
Maulshree Seth serves as an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express in Lucknow, bringing over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism. She has earned recognition for her on-the-ground reporting throughout Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on various critical subjects including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Maulshree’s reporting is characterized by its depth and historical insight, particularly in covering high-stakes state elections and pivotal judicial decisions, establishing her as a credible voice at the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. Her commitment to rigorous fact-checking and balanced storytelling ensures that her reports reflect an accurate and comprehensive view of events, often achieved through field visits to the most remote areas of the state.
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