Delhi’s transport planners are advancing a major proposal to develop a new interstate bus terminal in the Dwarka area, designed as a mixed-use Dwarka ISBT project combining mass transit infrastructure with housing, commercial spaces and public amenities. The proposed mobility hub, spread across nearly 13 hectares in Sector 22, is expected to play a key role in easing pressure on existing bus terminals while creating a new urban node in the city’s southwest region. Officials involved in the planning say the Dwarka ISBT project is being conceptualised using transit-oriented development principles, where residential and commercial buildings are integrated around high-capacity public transport systems. The approach aims to encourage compact, walkable neighbourhoods that reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve last-mile connectivity.
The proposed site sits close to major transportation assets including a metro station, a railway halt and the city’s international airport. Urban planners say this multi-modal connectivity could make the location one of the capital’s most significant future transit interchanges, linking long-distance bus services with urban rail networks and air travel. Current interstate bus terminals in the capital—particularly those in the eastern and central parts of the city—are operating close to or beyond their intended capacity. Overcrowded terminals often spill traffic onto surrounding roads, leading to congestion and delays for commuters and local residents. By adding a major transport hub in the west, authorities aim to distribute interstate bus traffic more evenly across the metropolitan region. Beyond transport operations, the Dwarka ISBT project includes a significant urban development component. Planning documents indicate that a majority of the built-up area could be dedicated to residential units designed under high-density transit housing models. Such developments typically place homes within walking distance of major public transport infrastructure, reducing commuting time and encouraging more sustainable mobility patterns.
A portion of the development will also accommodate commercial activity, including offices, retail outlets and hospitality spaces. Public and semi-public facilities such as community centres, open plazas and landscaped green areas are also planned as part of the site layout. Urban design specialists say these features are intended to create an active civic environment rather than a stand-alone transport facility. Transport infrastructure analysts note that combining real estate development with transit infrastructure can improve financial sustainability. Revenue from residential and commercial projects often helps offset construction and operational costs for large public transport facilities. At the same time, the planning framework emphasises pedestrian-friendly design, public open spaces and improved accessibility within the precinct. Such elements are increasingly considered essential in large urban infrastructure projects to ensure they contribute to liveable and inclusive city environments.
The Dwarka ISBT project is currently in the early planning stage, with authorities expected to appoint consultants to prepare detailed design, financial models and implementation strategies. If approved, the project could become one of Delhi’s most ambitious attempts to integrate transport infrastructure with mixed-use urban development. For a rapidly growing capital region, the initiative highlights how future mobility hubs may evolve beyond simple bus terminals into multi-functional urban districts that support transit efficiency, housing supply and economic activity.
