the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has announced plans to increase the compensation for agricultural land acquired for urbanisation and industrial projects along the Yamuna Expressway. The authority has proposed offering Rs 4,300 per square metre for the land, a significant increase from the earlier rate of Rs 3,400 per square metre.This proposal, set to be presented at YEIDA’s board meeting on March 28, comes in response to growing dissatisfaction among farmers who feel short-changed by the existing compensation structure.
While the state government had already raised the compensation rate for land acquired for phases 3 and 4 of the Jewar Airport project to Rs 4,300 per square metre, agricultural land outside the airport’s immediate vicinity remained at the lower rate of Rs 3,400. Farmers, who had already seen an increase from Rs 2,650 per square metre in 2022, voiced their concerns, demanding equal treatment across all acquired land.Arun Vir Singh, CEO of YEIDA, highlighted that the proposed increase is aimed at ensuring that farmers whose lands are earmarked for development projects outside the airport zone are compensated fairly, at the same rate as those involved in the airport project.
“This adjustment will ensure equitable compensation for the landowners and help foster a spirit of collaboration in our urban development projects,” Singh stated.
Once approved by the YEIDA board, the revised rate of Rs 4,300 per square metre will be applicable under a direct registry mode for land acquisitions planned along the 165-km Yamuna Expressway. This adjustment is seen as an effort to align the compensation offered for future development projects, which include a range of major industrial and urbanisation initiatives such as an aerocity, logistics park, education hub, and several international themed cities like “American City” and “Japanese City.”
The proposed land acquisitions are part of YEIDA’s long-term plan to develop the region around the Yamuna Expressway, which is already undergoing rapid transformation due to the construction of the Noida International Airport. As part of the airport’s expansion, the government plans to acquire a significant portion of agricultural land, with targets of acquiring 60,000 hectares for future development. This large-scale land acquisition is part of broader efforts to facilitate industrial growth and create new urban hubs along the expressway, which stretches from Greater Noida to Agra.
The decision to raise the compensation rates reflects YEIDA’s commitment to addressing farmers’ concerns while ensuring the smooth progress of critical infrastructure projects. However, it also raises questions about the long-term implications of such land acquisitions on the local agricultural community and the environment, as the expansion of urban areas increasingly encroaches upon fertile land.For now, the farmers’ protests seem to have pushed authorities towards a more equitable solution, but the outcome will depend on the approval of the proposed rate hikes in the upcoming board meeting. Should the proposal go through, it will mark a significant step in balancing the needs of agricultural landowners with the broader goals of urban development in the region.
