Delhi 2047 Master Plan: DDA Proposes Higher FAR for Slums, Mixed-Use Streets

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved the Master Plan for Delhi-2047 and sent it to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for final clearance. The plan introduces significant changes to how the city will grow, including a higher floor area ratio (FAR) for rehabilitation of slum clusters, new mixed-use rules, and a more active role for the DDA in land pooling.

FAR, or floor area ratio, is the ratio of a building's total built-up area to the size of its plot. For in-situ slum rehabilitation projects, the plan raises the FAR for the affordable housing component from 400 to 500, and for the market component from 300 to 500. The existing maximum density restriction for such projects is also removed. This means that more construction can happen on the same piece of land, which is intended to make slum redevelopment more financially viable.

The plan estimates Delhi's population will rise from about 2.4 crore to 3.2 crore by 2047. It identifies 350 square kilometres as 'future urbanisable area', while noting that Delhi is landlocked and cannot expand horizontally. The revised plan proposes a '24-hour city' concept and a new transferable development rights framework to manage growth more flexibly.

One of the key changes is the new mixed-use provisions. Commercial activity will be allowed on the ground floor or lower first floor of residential plots located on roads that are at least 30 metres wide. Parking must be provided within the plot or in common facilities, including multi-level parking nearby. The plan also identifies 2,183 mixed-use streets where ground-floor commercial use is permitted, and 355 commercial streets where commercial activity can take place on all floors.

Land pooling remains a major development tool, covering about 200 square kilometres. Around 20,000 hectares across 105 villages have been earmarked, of which about 17,000 hectares are vacant. Landowners have shown willingness to participate in about 7,865 hectares or 46.3% of the area. Participation varies widely by zone, from 4.1% in P-I to 99.8% in Zone J. The revised framework proposes a minimum sector size of 20 hectares and a 60:40 land distribution model. The DDA will take a more proactive role, including acting on behalf of landowners where consortium formation is difficult. About 600 kilometres of new roads are proposed in these areas.

For notified jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters, home to an estimated 12 lakh people, the plan proposes a two-pronged approach: in-situ rehabilitation under the 'Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan' policy, and relocation of slums on ecologically sensitive sites. A new 'High Density Corridor' policy is along a 250-metre-wide corridor on either side of Urban Extension Road-II. For unauthorised colonies, regularisation is proposed on an 'as is where is' basis, without requiring a layout plan or minimum road width.

For the Yamuna riverfront, the plan identifies 9,934 hectares as Zone O. In the active floodplain, it proposes a no-construction zone, allowing only recreational use and utilities. Outside the floodplain, development remains restricted, with emphasis on ecological restoration and rejuvenation.

To support implementation, the DDA has proposed a geographic information system (GIS)-based land-use plan integrating land pooling, TOD, and high-density corridors with major infrastructure like the metro, Regional Rapid Transit System, and roads. A 'Digital Twin' of Delhi is proposed to help regulate encroachment and unauthorised construction.