The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) has finalised land acquisition rates to facilitate urban expansion and infrastructure development around the Noida International Airport at Jewar. The move follows sustained farmer demands and inter-district equity concerns, as compensation in the neighbouring Gautam Budh Nagar district had already set a precedent of ₹4,300 per square metre for similar land.
The authority’s revised package applies to 55 villages in Bulandshahr district, officially notified in June 2023 as part of a long-term regional development plan. These villages have been earmarked for the construction of industrial corridors, two expressways, and a rail link connecting Chola railway station to Jewar airport. Officials say the land acquisition is central to curbing unauthorised construction and facilitating seamless regional growth. A committee comprising senior Yeida officials studied the prevailing land rates in adjoining districts and submitted its recommendations earlier this week. After a five-month assessment process, the panel proposed a dual-rate model. Farmers who choose cash-only compensation will receive ₹4,300 per square metre. Those opting to retain a 7% portion of their acquired land in the form of developed residential plots will receive ₹3,800 per square metre.
“The goal is to offer a fair and transparent compensation model, one that reflects regional parity while respecting farmers’ interests,” an official said. “Once the Yeida board ratifies the committee’s proposal, acquisition will begin without further delay.” The 7% plot-back model is designed to support farmers’ long-term interests in the area’s urbanisation. Instead of receiving full compensation in cash, farmers are offered a smaller portion of the acquired land back, in the form of developed residential plots. This allows them to benefit from future land value appreciation as the area undergoes industrial and infrastructural transformation. The compensation structure mirrors Yeida’s approach in Gautam Budh Nagar, where earlier phases of land acquisition for the Jewar airport and associated projects had triggered protests over perceived discrepancies in land valuation. With Bulandshahr residents citing similar concerns, officials concluded that maintaining compensation parity was key to avoiding resistance and ensuring smooth progress.
The planned development around the airport is part of a broader strategy to position the region as a multi-modal logistics and industrial hub. Yeida has already announced the construction of two new expressways with a 2.5-kilometre buffer zone between them. This central area will be developed into a warehousing and logistics corridor, linking directly with the Jewar airport and the Delhi–Howrah railway line via a proposed rail connection from Chola station. Officials believe the integrated corridor will generate employment, boost exports, and attract domestic and international investment. “The strategic proximity of this corridor to the airport and major rail infrastructure offers a unique opportunity for creating a sustainable logistics and industrial ecosystem,” a senior planning expert noted. Land from the 55 villages is also vital for establishing planned industrial zones such as the Japanese and Korean cities—dedicated clusters for advanced electronics and technology manufacturing. These industrial townships are part of a larger blueprint to decentralise growth across the National Capital Region (NCR), reduce pressure on Delhi, and build new centres of employment, housing, and transit-oriented development.
In its Master Plan 2041, Yeida has highlighted the importance of sustainability and equitable growth. The land acquired is expected to host not only industrial facilities but also green infrastructure, eco-parks, and energy-efficient buildings. This aligns with the government’s objective of developing carbon-neutral, inclusive urban spaces. Despite the ambitious nature of these developments, experts caution that success will depend on effective rehabilitation and community participation. While the financial package addresses compensation, the transition from farming to an urban-industrial livelihood model may not be seamless. Several civil society organisations have called for additional support measures, including job training, affordable housing, and social services to assist displaced families. On the environmental front, Yeida has committed to incorporating sustainable practices such as mandatory rainwater harvesting, solar panels for industrial units, and tree-lined buffer zones along transport corridors. These green initiatives are aimed at mitigating the ecological impact of large-scale development and promoting a livable urban environment.
As the Noida International Airport progresses towards its first phase of operations, expected in 2026, land availability remains a critical component in meeting infrastructure timelines. By finalising land acquisition terms for Bulandshahr villages, Yeida aims to ensure that logistical, residential, and industrial projects can move forward without administrative hurdles or local opposition. The next step involves formal approval from Yeida’s board, after which compensation disbursement and land registry procedures will begin. Officials anticipate that a transparent acquisition process and a fair compensation package will not only speed up land procurement but also foster trust between authorities and the local communities.
Yeida’s approach could become a benchmark for other urbanising regions in Uttar Pradesh and across India. With the right balance of infrastructure investment, ecological stewardship, and community inclusion, the area around the Noida airport is set to become a model for equitable and sustainable urban development.
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