Noida is making significant strides in urban renewal by adopting a redevelopment model inspired by Mumbai, but with a unique, localized focus. This progressive policy prioritizes the redevelopment of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) units and leasehold group housing societies, offering a more targeted and phased approach compared to Mumbai’s broader, city-wide framework.
Why Noida’s Redevelopment Policy is a Game-Changer
Noida’s new redevelopment policy, approved in its 218th board meeting on June 14, signifies a crucial “progressive shift” in urban planning. The core objective is to revitalize aging and dilapidated high-rise group housing towers, ensuring residents benefit from modern infrastructure and improved living conditions.
Key features of Noida’s redevelopment policy:
- Higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR): Similar to Mumbai, developers are incentivized with a higher FAR, allowing for the construction and sale of additional housing units.
- Resident Benefits: Existing residents are guaranteed larger, upgraded homes and are provided with temporary accommodation during the reconstruction phase. This ensures minimal disruption and enhanced living standards.
- Targeted Focus: Unlike Mumbai’s overarching model, Noida’s policy is specifically designed for EWS flats and leasehold group housing societies. This targeted approach aims to address specific needs within the city’s urban fabric.
- Project-Specific RFPs: Requests for Proposal (RFPs) are issued on a project-specific basis, allowing for meticulous planning and execution tailored to individual redevelopment projects.
How Noida’s Redevelopment Works: Benefits for Residents and Developers
Under this innovative scheme, existing EWS flats will be demolished and reconstructed to modern standards. Developers gain the advantage of selling additional housing units, making the projects financially viable. Crucially, original residents receive enhanced living spaces and are provided with temporary housing until their new, improved homes are ready for possession.
The Noida Authority has already identified old housing projects in Sectors 27, 93, and 93A for initial redevelopment. Additionally, cooperative and private developers with old low-rise buildings can now utilize a 3.5 FAR, a significant increase from the previous 2 FAR, enabling them to build more flats and develop vertically by purchasing additional FAR for their redevelopment projects.
Expert Insights on Noida’s Redevelopment Strategy
Real estate experts laud Noida’s new policy as a forward-thinking initiative.
Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chairman, Anarock Group, emphasizes: “Noida’s new redevelopment policy is a progressive step. While it is closely modelled on Mumbai’s approach, it is more customized to Noida’s specific local needs. Like Mumbai, it incentivizes developers by allowing higher FAR and sale of additional units while making sure that the original residents benefit from more spacious, upgraded homes as well as temporary accommodation while reconstruction is underway.” He further highlights the key distinction: “The key differences are that Noida’s focus is on EWS and leasehold societies, and the Requests for Proposal are project-specific. This renders it more targeted and phased than in the case of Mumbai, which uses a broader, city-wide redevelopment framework.”
Abhishek Singh, Director, V3 Infrasol, concurs, stating that Noida’s redevelopment policy is “a forward-looking move that addresses both urban renewal and infrastructure optimization.” From a legal perspective, he notes, “it offers a clear framework for title regularization, transfer of rights, and stakeholder consent, key aspects that led to delays earlier.” Technologically, he adds, “it allows for the upgrade of aging structures, improved safety codes, and sustainable design practices. The policy encourages efficient land use, better density management, and integration of smart infrastructure.”
