The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board (UPHDB) has finalised a transformative development blueprint for Vasundhara, Ghaziabad.
Spread across 40 acres of mixed-use land in sectors 7 and 8, the plan includes provisions for a satellite centre of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), alongside residential and commercial infrastructure designed to support a population of 25,000. The proposed development, sanctioned at the board level, is strategically positioned within the transit-oriented development (TOD) zone of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), in close proximity to the Sahibabad station of the Namo Bharat corridor. Officials from the housing board confirmed that the allocation includes 10 acres for the healthcare facility and two expansive land parcels of 20 and 10 acres designated for group housing and commercial activities. The remaining 40 acres from the board’s total 80-acre landholding in the area are likely to be developed in subsequent phases.
The plan reflects a clear shift towards integrated, people-centric urban planning, with a focus on high-density, mixed-use development that aligns with sustainability principles. As part of the TOD strategy, the layout leverages higher floor area ratios (FAR), enabling vertical expansion and efficient land utilisation—a critical need in the National Capital Region’s rapidly urbanising belt. Officials stated that FAR allowances in these zones have been significantly relaxed, providing developers the liberty to build taller structures while maintaining ecological and spatial efficiency. This not only enhances commercial viability but also minimises sprawl, reducing dependency on private transportation—an important consideration for lowering urban emissions and congestion.
The upcoming auction of the group housing plots is expected to fetch upwards of ₹1.25 lakh per square metre, reflecting robust investor confidence in Ghaziabad’s infrastructure growth. With state authorities keen on accelerating the pace of development, access improvements are already being considered to ensure seamless connectivity between Vasundhara, Siddharth Vihar, and the Hindon elevated road linking Delhi and Meerut. To bridge physical divides between sectors and ensure mobility equity, a 240-metre bridge is being planned over the Hindon canal. Once constructed, it will enable direct access from Siddharth Vihar—currently isolated due to geographical constraints—to Vasundhara and the elevated road, boosting inter-neighbourhood cohesion and liveability.
The Hindon elevated corridor, a 10.3-kilometre stretch connecting Raj Nagar Extension to the Delhi border, currently has limited ingress from Vasundhara. To address this, UPHDB officials have approached the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to conduct feasibility assessments for additional access points on both Delhi and Meerut-bound stretches. This is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity, which remains a critical barrier in achieving holistic TOD goals. With growing urban footprints and mounting pressure on existing health infrastructure, the inclusion of a satellite AIIMS facility is both timely and strategic. It aims to decentralise access to tertiary healthcare, reducing the burden on larger institutions in Delhi-NCR, and offering equitable services to residents in Ghaziabad and adjoining towns.
The development fits squarely within the objectives of the Master Plan 2031, which envisions Ghaziabad as a sustainable, inclusive, and economically dynamic urban centre. The draft Master Plan identifies an area within a 1.5-kilometre radius from each of the city’s eight RRTS stations as TOD zones—intended to integrate land use and transport in ways that support non-motorised mobility, public transport reliance, and affordable housing stock. Officials stressed that the design principles guiding this new township will prioritise accessibility, climate resilience, and liveability. In doing so, the development aligns with broader national missions such as the Smart Cities initiative and the National Urban Health Mission, while also upholding the values of zero net carbon growth and equitable infrastructure expansion.
Experts from the housing board believe that the planned development is not merely a real estate venture but a crucial socio-economic catalyst. By weaving together housing, healthcare, and sustainable mobility, it promises to create a balanced ecosystem that could serve as a model for satellite townships across India’s urbanising Tier-2 corridors. If realised effectively, the Vasundhara project may stand as a testament to what progressive governance, urban foresight, and inclusive planning can achieve in reimagining India’s cities—not just as commercial clusters, but as humane, sustainable spaces that serve the collective interest of their people.
UPHDB Approves 40-Acre Urban Project in Ghaziabad
