In a major push to urban development and infrastructure growth, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved several landmark projects, including the capital’s first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) housing project in Karkardooma, land use changes for key land pooling sectors, and a multi-sports complex in Narela that will double as an education hub.
The decisions were taken at DDA’s board meeting on November 5, chaired by Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena. The meeting saw the clearance of multiple proposals aimed at promoting sustainable urban growth, planned housing, and sports-led regional development.
Delhi’s First TOD Housing Project at Karkardooma
One of the most significant approvals is for Delhi’s first-ever Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) housing project, Towering Heights at East Delhi Hub, Karkardooma. The scheme, part of the 2025 Karkardooma Housing Plan, will feature 1,026 ready-to-launch 2BHK flats.
The project is designed around the TOD concept, an urban planning model that encourages walkable, mixed-use communities centred around public transport. The idea is to reduce dependency on private vehicles while promoting sustainable mobility and accessible housing.
Flats in Towering Heights will be offered through an e-auction mechanism to ensure transparency in the allotment process. DDA officials said the project aims to set a precedent for future TOD corridors planned across the city, linking housing, commerce, and transport in a cohesive framework.
Land Pooling Policy: Development Gets Green Signal
In another major decision, DDA approved the change of land use for 40.23 hectares under Delhi’s Land Pooling Policy, paving the way for large-scale integrated development.
According to DDA, the land pooling area is divided into 138 sectors, with a total poolable area of approximately 20,422 hectares. “This is the first sector to achieve 70% contiguous pooled land and become eligible for development under this policy,” the agency said in a statement.
The Land Pooling Policy notified in October 2018 as part of the Master Plan for Delhi-2021, aims to facilitate planned urban expansion in six zones: K-I, L, N, P-II, and parts of P-I and J. The policy allows private landowners to pool land for development in collaboration with DDA, with fair distribution of land and returns once infrastructure is in place.
Officials said this approval marks a critical milestone, enabling the first tangible rollout of the long-awaited policy.
Narela: Sports and Education Hub in the Making
Narela is set to undergo a major transformation with the approval of projects aimed at developing it into a modern sports and education hub.
DDA has cleared the change of land use for a 30.35-hectare plot in Narela from residential and commercial to public and semi-public use, facilitating the construction of a multi-sports integrated stadium and sports complex.
The proposed facility will be designed to host national and international sporting events, strengthening Delhi’s sports infrastructure. The complex is expected to attract private investment from hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors, spurring regional economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
DDA said the project will also promote sports tourism and position Narela as a key destination for large-scale sporting activities in northern India.
Alongside the sports complex, DDA has also approved plans to develop Narela into an education hub. The authority has sanctioned the change of land use for 4.33 hectares — roughly 10.7 acres — from residential to public and semi-public, for the construction of universities.
Once formalities are complete, a gazette notification will be issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to operationalise the land use changes.
Extension of Enhanced FAR Policy
To support planned commercial development, DDA has also approved the continuation — for one more year — of the Enhanced Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Policy, which was first introduced in 2018.
The policy allows stakeholders to use additional FAR on a pro-rata basis to promote better land use and modernise commercial centres. The original five-year validity had expired recently, prompting the authority to extend it temporarily to allow pending projects to benefit.
Officials said the extension will help developers complete ongoing commercial projects while maintaining urban density norms and ensuring optimal utilisation of available space.
Charges Fixed for TOD Development Areas
DDA also approved the fixation of charges related to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas, including additional FAR charges and TOD-specific levies to be paid by developer entities.
These charges will apply within the TOD planning zone, defined as an 800-metre radius around major transit stations. The framework is designed to standardise costs, encourage private participation, and ensure financial viability of high-density, mixed-use projects around transport hubs.
Safdarjung, Rajinder Nagar Revamp and Signature View Update
The DDA also addressed issues related to housing maintenance and redevelopment. It decided to impose a 10% annual escalation fee on rent for residents of the soon-to-be-demolished Signature View Apartments in Mukherjee Nagar.
As per the new structure, the base rent will be Rs. 50,000 per month for high-income group (HIG) allottees and ?38,000 for middle-income group (MIG) residents.
To improve living conditions in older government housing colonies, DDA has appointed NBCC (India) Ltd to oversee the redevelopment of staff quarters in the Safdarjung Development Area and Old Rajinder Nagar. These projects aim to modernise housing stock, improve safety, and enhance the quality of life for DDA employees.
A Push for Modern, Livable Delhi
With these approvals, DDA has set in motion a diverse set of projects, from housing and sports to education and commercial growth that align with Delhi’s long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive development.
Officials said the authority’s focus on TOD corridors, land pooling, and multi-sectoral hubs reflects a shift towards compact, people-centric urban planning. As the capital expands, the challenge will be to balance rapid development with environmental and social sustainability, a balance DDA’s latest decisions aim to achieve.
