Under the proposal, owners and developers of plots, houses, and apartments within a 500-meter radius of expressways will face two types of additional costs:
- Increased development charges - a mandatory fee collected by LDA for infrastructure works tied to new construction.
- Special amenity fee - a new levy meant to fund public amenities and beautification projects in these zones.
The proposal will be placed before the LDA board at its next meeting. If approved, it will apply to both upcoming projects and, in certain cases, property owners seeking building plan approvals.
While the final figures are pending board clearance, past revisions offer a ballpark idea. Development charges in Lucknow currently stand at about Rs 2,462 per square meter for certain categories. A hypothetical 10% hike would take this to around Rs 2,640.
For a 100sqm (about 1,076sq ft) plot:
- Development charge increase: Rs 24,000 to Rs 28,000 extra
- Special amenity fee (if set at Rs 500 per sq m): Rs 50,000 extra
- Combined impact: Around Rs 74,000 more
Though these numbers are plausible, as the exact hike will depend on the LDA’s final notification, the trend is clear - proximity to expressways will carry a premium.
Where Will the Money Go?
The LDA says revenue from these charges will be ring-fenced for civic improvements in the targeted corridors. Planned works include:
- Road widening to handle growing traffic volumes.
- Street lighting upgrades for safety and visibility.
- Beautification through landscaped green belts, pedestrian pathways, and public seating.
- Other civic facilities, such as better drainage, signage, and possibly sanitation projects.
Officials argue that these areas, already seeing rapid construction and high land values, require sustained investment to maintain infrastructure quality.
Broader Urban Push
Shaheed Path, Kisan Path, and the Green Corridor are now among Lucknow’s fastest-growing real estate belts. They host premium residential colonies, integrated townships, IT parks, and commercial hubs. Easy access to the airport, railway station, and city center has only increased demand.
The move to raise charges is part of LDA’s wider urban expansion strategy. The authority is investing in:
- Mega townships along expressway corridors.
- Public transport upgrades, including e-auto stands and bus terminals.
- Management of large civic assets such as the Jay Prakash Narayan International Convention Centre.
By tying higher charges to proximity to expressways, LDA hopes to ensure that those who benefit most from improved connectivity also contribute more toward its upkeep.
Developers may pass on the additional cost to buyers, potentially nudging up property prices in these zones. However, LDA officials say the trade-off is worth it: better infrastructure, higher property values, and a more livable environment.
Real estate agents expect the expressway belts to remain attractive despite the hike. “These locations have unmatched connectivity. Even with higher charges, the demand won’t fade,” said a Lucknow-based realtor.
What’s Next?
The proposal will go before the LDA board for approval. Once cleared, the new rates will be notified and come into effect, possibly within this financial year.
For buyers eyeing property near Shaheed Path or Kisan Path, the timing could be crucial. Acquiring before the hike may save tens of thousands in fees, but waiting could mean contributing to infrastructure upgrades that keep the area’s appeal high.
The bottom line is that living near Lucknow’s top expressways will soon cost more, not just in purchase price, but in fees designed to upgrade the city’s fastest-growing corridors.
