Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has laid the foundation stone for the ambitious ‘Greater Agra’ project, a significant urban development initiative aimed at transforming Agra into a modern economic and cultural hub. The project, inspired by the development model of Greater Noida, envisages the creation of ten new townships named after sacred Indian rivers. The estimated cost for this expansive project is approximately ₹5,142 crore, covering an area of 449.65 hectares in the Raipur and Rehankalan villages of Agra district.
A New Urban Vision for Agra
The ‘Greater Agra’ project is designed to alleviate the increasing pressure on existing urban centers like Noida and Gurugram by establishing a new, well-planned urban area. This initiative, launched under the Chief Minister Urban Expansion/New City Promotion Scheme, is being developed by the Agra Development Authority. The project aims to provide modern residential facilities for an estimated 10,000 to 150,000 families, incorporating a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary urban planning. The ten townships within Greater Agra will bear names such as Sindhupuram, Gomtipuram, Gangapuram, Yamunapuram, Betwapuram, Mahanadipuram, Narmadapuram, Godavaripuram, Krishnapuram, and Kaveripuram, drawing inspiration from significant rivers of Indian civilization.
Comprehensive Infrastructure and Amenities
The development plan for ‘Greater Agra’ includes a robust infrastructure framework. It will feature multi-storey flats, group housing, residential plots, and commercial spaces. Essential civic amenities such as schools, hospitals, community centers, hotels, banks, post offices, police outposts, and fire stations are planned to ensure self-sufficiency within the new townships. Modern road networks, advanced sewage treatment plants, water treatment facilities, electric substations, and solid waste management systems are integral to the project, positioning it as a smart and sustainable urban model. Approximately 15 percent of each township’s area will be dedicated to green spaces, including parks and open areas, to promote environmental balance and a high quality of life.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
The ‘Greater Agra’ project is envisioned not merely as a housing development but as a significant economic driver. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted that the project is expected to become a major hub for employment and investment, generating job opportunities across construction, industry, and service sectors. Yamunapuram is being developed as a commercial hub to stimulate business activities, while Kaveripuram will focus on water-based recreation and entertainment, aiming to boost tourism. The strategic location of ‘Greater Agra,’ with its proximity to the Inner Ring Road, National Highway-19, Yamuna Expressway, and Kuberpur Railway Station, further enhances its potential for mobility and trade.
Development Beyond the Townships
The foundation stone ceremony for ‘Greater Agra’ also saw the inauguration and foundation laying for 325 other development projects in Agra, collectively valued at approximately ₹6,466 crore. Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Agra into a modern cultural and economic center, moving beyond its traditional identity as a tourism-centric city. Progress on infrastructure projects like the Agra Metro is ongoing, and a new civil terminal for the Agra airport is expected by the end of the year. The government is also focusing on developing Fatehpur Sikri, with plans for a rubber dam if the detailed project report is finalized on time. The Chief Minister also noted India’s economic stability amidst global challenges, attributing it to the policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
