Synopsis: The Draft NCR Plan 2041 proposes four greenfield Namo Cities and new development zones. The Centre has proposed ₹5,000 crore to build self-sustaining hubs designed for future population growth.
Under the Regional Plan- 2041, NCR will receive four new “Namo Cities”, in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. They are supposed to be smart cities, which will be connected by Namo Bharat corridors and support future population growth, development of new economic hubs and ease the burden off the cities of Delhi, Gurugram and Noida.
What is a Namo City?
Namo City is a planned green field city which is being developed from scratch according to NCR’s Regional Plan 2041. These cities are different from the satellite cities as they have homes, offices, industries, educational institutes and public amenities arranged around the high-speed corridors of Namo Bharat (RRTS) which make the cities self-sustaining.
The cities will implement a transit-oriented development (TOD) approach, that stimulates higher density development around transport nodes and less reliance on private vehicles. Sustainability, smart infrastructure, affordable housing and mixed-use development are anticipated to be important attributes.
Key Features
- The building of new houses on land that has not been developed.
- In touch with Namo Bharat and area transport system
- Combined residential, commercial and industrial areas
- Infrastructure and digital services for smart cities
- Sustainable planning with green space
- Infrastructure for jobs, homes and public transit in one ecosystem.
1. Delhi Namo City
It is believed that Namo City in Delhi will be developed as an urban extension of the city, which will help alleviate the pressure on the city’s housing and infrastructure. It is expected to be designed with existing and planned Namo Bharat and mass-transit corridors in mind, with the goal of creating a “30-minute NCR”.
The city is expected to prioritize high-density residential, commercial, public services, and sustainable urban infrastructure. While Gurugram and Noida are mainly growth cities being developed by the private sector, the Namo City in Delhi might be more important in offering them a planned housing alternative, civic amenities, and jobs, closer to the capital.
Expected Highlights
- Lying in the Delhi region of NCR
- Using TOD around Namo Bharat corridors
- Drivers of change and opportunity: residential and commercial development.
- Smart public infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
- To provide relief to Delhi’s congestion and housing problem
- Part of NCR’s overall transport network
Why It Matters
There is a scarcity of land in urban areas in Delhi that can accommodate large scale urban expansion. A new planned city will be able to satisfy needs for future population growth and enhance the supply of housing, employment and public facilities without imposing additional burden on the already stressed urban core.
2. Haryana Namo City
Namo City in Haryana is poised to become one of the most economically viable of the four proposed cities with the state’s robust industrial base and close proximity to prominent NCR cities of Gurugram, Manesar and Sonipat. The new city will draw industries that are looking for modern infrastructure and large land parcels, as Haryana already has significant manufacturing and automotive cities and growing IT and logistics clusters. It will also serve as a catalyst for new residential communities for professionals working throughout the NCR.
Expected Highlights
- Linked to the growth corridors of Gurugram-Manesar-Sonipat.
- Innovative focus on manufacturing, logistics and business parks.
- NOB projects on TOD around Namo Bharat stations
- New residential townships and commercial areas.
- A chance for attracting private investment and industries.
Why It Matters
Haryana accounts for a major portion of the economic output of NCR, but the fast growth has put cities like Gurgaon, Faridabad etc. on a strain. A new greenfield city can spread growth across more areas, provide jobs and promote the growth of the business industry for the state, and alleviate pressures on the existing urban centers.
3. Uttar Pradesh Namo City
The state’s booming infrastructure, including the Noida–GreaterNoida–Jewar growth corridor, is set to drive expansion of Uttar Pradesh, Namo City. Western Uttar Pradesh will become a hub of manufacturing, expressways and industrial projects are transforming here and with the upcoming Noida International Airport, the city may become a major technology and services hub and manufacturing hub in the near future.
This location would enable it to leverage off existing economic hubs and provide scope for the development of new residential and commercial hubs. It is expected to be one of the highly attractive investment locations in NCR with robust connectivity via Namo Bharat corridors, highways and airport infrastructure.
Expected Highlights
- Potentially connected to Noida–Greater Noida–Jewar corridor.
- The airport of Noida and the major expressways are accessible.
- With emphasis on Manufacturing, Logistics, Technology and Services.
- Bulk residential/commercial development will be limited.
- Strong multimodal connectivity
Why It Matters
Western Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of the fastest growing urban regions of India. A dedicated Namo City will boost the eastern growth axis of the NCR, bring in new investments and facilitate the eastern part of the region’s metamorphosis into a global business and logistics hub.
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4. Rajasthan Namo City
The Namo City in the state of Rajasthan,located in the west, is likely to add momentum to the western growth corridor of NCR, which includes the industrial corridor between Bhiwadi, Neemrana and Alwar. Being close to the capital of the country and its strategic location along the Industrial Corridor of Delhi-Mumbai, the area is conducive to future urbanization.
The city has the potential to become a leading manufacturing, logistics and industrial hub, as well as a new housing and residential center. Enhanced connectivity via Namo Bharat corridors and regional highways is likely to bring both industries and home buyers to seek alternatives to Delhi and Gurugram.
Expected Highlights
- Areas in the vicinity of Bhiwadi-Neemana-Alwar belt are potentially linked to this belt.
- Ideal location on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
- Concentrate on manufacturing, warehousing and logistics
- There are new residential and commercial areas.
- Excellent connectivity to Delhi and the surrounding areas of the NCR region.
Why It Matters
Rajasthan is presently a relatively small part of the population and economic activity of NCR. A dedicated Namo City could open new investment avenues, speed up the industrial expansion and would give rise to a new economic hub in the NCR region of the State, as compared to Delhi, Gurugram and Noida.
Connectivity backbone of the Four Namo Cities
Connectivity will be the key to the success of Namo Cities. The new urban centres are designed around the high capacity public transport network, especially the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), as opposed to the traditional city that grows around roads.
The Regional Plan 2041 aims to create a “30-minute NCR” in which residents are able to rapidly and efficiently get between key economic nodes. The four Namo Cities will be connected with existing and upcoming RRTS corridors, expressways, metro networks and national highways thus providing seamless mobility of people and goods.
Economic Impact
The four Namo Cities are expected to kick off the next growth spurt of NCR, with investment and job creation, and increase housing supply. Their growth will ease congestion in Delhi, Gurugram and Noida, creating new growth corridors in four states.
Expected Benefits
- More investment in the public and private sector.
- Increase in number of jobs in construction, manufacturing and services.
- Industrial and logistics hub developments.
- New residential and commercial development
- An increased demand for housing in the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The four proposed Namo Cities are one of the largest urban development projects envisioned for NCR in the Regional Plan 2041. These cities are seeking to meet the needs of their growing populations and establish new nodes of residential, job, and investment development through an approach that integrates transit oriented development, current infrastructure and strategic connectivity.
Written by Boyapati Sai Jasmitha
