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The Uttar Pradesh government has approved Prayagraj Development Authority's (PDA) Master Plan-2031, expanding the city's area from 309 sq. km to 398 sq. km by incorporating 639 villages. Key features include a new 'Highway Facility' land use category along major roads for commercial hubs and legalizing existing unauthorized commercial properties. This structured urbanization aims to boost infrastructure, attract investments, and streamline property regulations. Similar to urban expansion projects in Delhi and Mumbai, the plan seeks to modernize Prayagraj into a more structured and business-friendly city, ensuring sustainable growth over the next decade.Read more
The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj is hosting millions of devotees, with 1.75 crore participating in the 'Amrit Snan' on Makar Sankranti. Attendees can choose from a variety of accommodations, including luxury tents by TUTC at INR 70,000-INR 1 lakh per night, offering en suite bathrooms and guided tours. Mid-range options like Kumbh Camp India Adhvanta start at INR 14,000, while budget stays by UPSTDC range from INR 1,500 to INR 35,000. Packages like MakeMyTrip's "Soulful Kumbh" at INR 28,695 per person provide additional convenience. Visitors are encouraged to book early, as demand is high for this spiritually significant gathering.Read more
The 17th-century Mubarak Manzil in Agra, a significant Mughal-era structure tied to Aurangzeb and other prominent leaders, was largely demolished just three months after steps were initiated to protect it. Despite community protests and recent efforts by the state archaeological department to designate it as a protected site, allegations of collusion between a builder and officials led to its destruction. This iconic site, which blended Mughal and British architectural styles, was reduced to rubble, sparking local outrage and an official investigation. The incident highlights the fragility of India's heritage and underscores the urgent need for stronger preservation measures to safeguard historical landmarks.Read more
To prepare for the influx of pilgrims expected during the Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Prayagraj airport has undergone significant expansion at a cost of INR 233 crore. The revamped airport will increase passenger handling capacity from 350 to 2,050 passengers per hour with upgrades to terminal buildings and the apron area. Additional facilities include expanded aircraft parking bays, a new taxiway for smoother operations, night landing capabilities, and improved city-side amenities such as enhanced parking and a culturally inspired theme. Airlines have proposed 14 new flights, and provisions for chartered planes and transfer services for pilgrims are also in place.Read more
The Agra Metro is a transformative urban transit project designed to modernize Agra's transportation infrastructure and support its population and tourism. Phase 1 includes two corridors: the Yellow Line (Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar Mandir) and the Blue Line (Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar), covering 29.4 km with a total estimated cost of INR 12,899 crore. The Yellow Line's 6 km priority corridor, inaugurated in March 2024, features six stations, including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Upon full completion by 2026, it promises a seamless, sustainable transport solution for residents and tourists alike.Read more
The state government has announced plans for New Agra, a heritage city envisioned along the Yamuna Expressway in Agra district, under the jurisdiction of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). Covering approximately 10,500 hectares, the New Agra Urban Centre aims to become a commercial and tourism hub, incorporating 60 villages in the Etmadpur tehsil near the Taj Mahal. Developed with input from a consulting firm, the project will prioritize connectivity and environmental regulations. As the Noida International Airport prepares to open next April, New Agra is poised to enhance Agra's appeal as a tourist destination.Read more
The Cabinet has approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth INR 7,927 crore along the Prayagraj-Mumbai corridor, aimed at enhancing passenger and freight capacity. The projects include a 4th line between Jalgaon and Manmad (160 km), a 3rd and 4th line between Bhusawal and Khandwa (131 km), and a 3rd line from Prayagraj (Iradatganj) to Manikpur. Spanning seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, the upgrades will extend the rail network by 639 km, enabling smoother travel and increased freight traffic of 51 MTPA. These projects will also support climate goals by reducing 271 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees, while boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.Read more
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to transform Agra into a "solar city," following Ayodhya's lead. The initiative includes installing 2,000 solar streetlights and 161 rooftop solar power plants (over 25 KW each) on government buildings. Newly constructed Sulabh toilets will also feature solar panels. In the first phase, Agra will see 600 solar streetlights and 50 mini masts. Aligned with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the scheme targets 1.3 lakh rooftop solar installations in Agra. The program offers subsidies, providing 60% support for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for 2-3 kW systems, aiming to make solar energy affordable and reliable.Read more
The recent collapse of two floors, including the grand dome, of Agra's historic Zohra Bagh tower, underscores the urgent need for conservation. Built in 1526 by Emperor Babur's daughter, Zuhara Mahal, this Mughal-era structure was awaiting preservation under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Conservation efforts, delayed due to restricted access through Chini Ka Rauza, were initially scheduled after ongoing restoration there. Rainwater seepage is suspected to have weakened the Lakhori brick and mud masonry, leading to the collapse. This incident highlights the importance of timely intervention to safeguard India's architectural heritage from irreversible damage.Read more
The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has seen a substantial increase in tax collection, thanks to a new software system for online assessments and payments. By September 2024, the PMC collected approximately INR 53 crore from house taxes, up from INR 36 crore the previous year. The corporation has also extended the deadline for a 10% tax rebate until October 31. Upcoming initiatives include pothole-free road repairs, regular cultural programmes at the Ganga-Yamuna ghats, and a commitment to clean drains to address water logging issues. Additional decisions include providing communication equipment to officers and planting thousands of saplings.Read more
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Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has introduced a modern QR code payment system, allowing residents to pay their house tax from home while earning extra savings. Homeowners can now enjoy a 12.5% total discount on house tax, with an additional 2.5% rebate for using the QR code option. This initiative aims to simplify tax payments, promote cashless transactions, and improve compliance among over 1.2 lakh property owners across the city. The system promises a hassle-free way to keep up with taxes while benefiting from extra savings.Read more
The Uttar Pradesh Government is spearheading the development of a new city, the New Agra Urban Centre, near Agra off the Yamuna Expressway. Spanning 10,500 hectares, this ambitious project aims to accommodate the region's growing urbanization and population rise. The Yamuna Expressway Authority (YXPA) has initiated the master planning process, focusing on transportation connectivity, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable development. Strategically located near the upcoming Noida International Airport, projected to boost tourism, the New Agra Urban Centre seeks to complement this growth by enhancing tourism facilities and promoting economic development. The project underscores a commitment to green industries and holistic development, promising transformative growth and economic prosperity for the region.Read more
Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking stringent measures against major house tax defaulters, issuing 'red notices' to 7,303 individuals with outstanding amounts exceeding Rs 50,000. Among them, 2,433 owe over Rs 1 lakh. Failure to pay within the stipulated time will result in actions such as attaching and sealing their properties. Despite collecting Rs 53.76 crore in house tax from 1,11,827 building owners in the current fiscal year, more than 1.25 lakh individuals haven't fulfilled their obligations. The PMC clarified that no compound interest is charged on house tax; instead, a simple interest rate of 1% per month is applied, seeking to dispel misconceptions about interest accumulation.Read more
Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, is grappling with a concerning issue – 470 illegal structures, comprising restaurants, cafes, and emporiums, have mushroomed within a restricted 500-meter radius of the monument. These encroachments, some standing for decades, threaten the Taj Mahal's historical integrity and allure, drawing millions of tourists each year as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken steps by filing FIRs, but local authorities have been slow to act. Allegations of collusion between these illegal businesses and authorities raise questions about the commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage. Hopefully, recent promises of swift action will translate into concrete measures to safeguard these architectural marvels for future generations.Read more
The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has replaced the Geographical Information Survey (GIS) for house area calculations with self-assessment forms. Property owners can now evaluate their own properties for tax assessment. The PMC initiated self-assessment for house tax calculation, with detailed forms available at zonal offices and PMC campus. Owners must provide accurate details including property type, area measurements, and occupancy status. Failure to provide accurate information may lead to penalties. Local corporators will aid in the process, and forms must be submitted by October 31, 2023. The change aims to streamline taxation and enhance accuracy.Read more
RLDA invites bids for residential development on a 90,304 sqm railway land in Belanganj, Agra. The 99-year lease awaits visionary developers to shape the city's skyline. The pre-bid meeting saw participation from local and national developers, sparking creativity. The prime location near iconic landmarks enhances the land's allure. With a reserved price of Rs 213 crore, the canvas awaits transformative innovation. The last date for e-Bid submissions is August 3, 2023.Read more
The Yamuna River's swelling waters threatened the world-renowned Taj Mahal on July 17, as the water level reached its walls. However, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reassured the public that the monument's design would prevent water from seeping into its main structure. The architectural ingenuity of the Taj Mahal ensures that water cannot enter the main mausoleum even during high floods. In response to a previous flood incident in 1978, which caused damage to the monument, ASI implemented measures to prevent water intrusion. Fortunately, the current flood situation did not result in any water damage to the Taj Mahal's interior, thanks to its unique features and the surrounding garden acting as a buffer zone.Read more
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has questioned Jaiprakash Associates Ltd's (JAL) plan to settle dues and reclaim 1,000 hectares of land. JAL proposed selling land to raise funds, but YEIDA raised concerns about the land being mortgaged. Discrepancies exist regarding the outstanding amount, with YEIDA claiming Rs 3,621 crore while JAL insists on Rs 1,483 crore. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 13, where JAL must address the land encumbrance. The resolution will determine the fate of the Sports City project on the Yamuna Expressway.Read more
The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has recently expanded its jurisdiction to include 20 new localities, resulting in the incorporation of these areas into the official records of the PMC. With the addition of these localities, the municipal corporation now has a total of 100 wards. Efforts are being made to ensure that properties in the newly created wards comply with PMC's house tax regulations. A GIS-powered study is also underway to provide precise data for the newly incorporated wards.Read more
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Noida Authority to maintain status quo on its order of demolishing farmhouses on the Yamuna floodplain. The directive was issued in response to a petition filed by a farmhouse owner, Ratna Mitra, whose objections were rejected by the authority. Mitra's legal team contended that the authority did not have the necessary jurisdiction to order the demolitions, especially in the absence of floodplain demarcation. The court has directed the authority and National Mission for Clean Ganga to file counter affidavits and listed the case for the next hearing on July 2, 2023.Read more
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