TOWNSHIP NEWS
GDA Drops Three Villages from Harnandipuram Master Plan; ₹943 Crore Funding Approved
Three villages—Shahpur Morta, Bhowapur, and Morta—covering around 151 hectares were removed from the master plan to make the project more financially viable. The Uttar Pradesh Government has approved the remaining seed capital of Rs 943.37 crore for the Ghaziabad Development Authority's Harnandipuram Scheme under the Chief Minister Urban Expansion/New City Promotion Scheme, in a Government order on July 31, 2026.
| Villages excluded | Three villages—Shahpur Morta, Bhowapur, and Morta—covering around 151 hectares |
|---|---|
| State funding approved | ₹943.37 crore under Chief Minister Urban Expansion/New City Promotion Scheme |
| Approval date | July 31, 2026 |
| Phase 1 area | 336 hectares spread across the villages of Mathurapur, Shamsher, and Nangla Feroze Mohan Nagar |
| Total project cost | ₹15,000 crore estimated overall development cost |
| Residential units planned | Around 5,000 residential units expected in the first phase |
| Revised project scope | Reduced from 521 hectares to 371 hectares, citing financial limitations |
| Land acquisition approach | GDA is proceeding with land acquisition in phases |
Village Exclusion to Streamline Costs
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has reduced the proposed Harnandipuram township project from 521 hectares to 371 hectares, citing financial limitations. The project will now exclude land from three villages—Shahpur Morta, Bhowapur, and Morta—while focusing on acquiring 127 hectares from five others. Land acquisition costs are estimated at INR 5,000 crore, with total development costs reaching INR 10,000 crore.
The panel overseeing the process has decided that land rates will be negotiated between the GDA and the landowners to expedite the acquisition. If mutual consent cannot be reached, the GDA will resort to the Land Acquisition Act. This approach aims to streamline the process and minimize delays.
₹943 Crore State Funding Approval
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved ₹943 crore in fresh funding for the Harnandipuram township project in Ghaziabad under the Chief Minister Urban Expansion New City Promotion Scheme. The allocation will primarily support land acquisition and the development of essential infrastructure, marking another step in the state's plan to expand urban housing and civic facilities.
This funding, set for the 2026-27 financial year, will help with land acquisition and building infrastructure. Earlier, the state government had earmarked ₹1,366 crore as capital seed funding for the project from the ₹3,000 crore allocated under the scheme in the 2025 state budget. In addition, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) had already committed ₹400 crore for basic infrastructure works within the township.
Phase 1 Scope and DPR Development
The first phase will focus on preparing the layout plan for 336 hectares spread across the villages of Mathurapur, Shamsher, and Nangla Feroze Mohan Nagar. A consultant is also preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will guide the phased development of the township.
Under the DPR, locations will be designated within the township for a drainage system, wide roads, green areas, residential and commercial plots, health services, and educational and social facilities. Infrastructure development, including roads, utilities, and other civic amenities, will be undertaken alongside the land acquisition process.
Strategic Context and Objectives
Named after the Hindon River, also locally known as Harnandi, the upcoming township of Harnandipuram is a part of the CM Urban Expansion New City Promotion Scheme. It will also be referred to as 'Naya Ghaziabad' or 'New Ghaziabad'. Owing to the growing housing demand in Noida and Ghaziabad region, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has decided to build a new township, Harnandipuram, in Ghaziabad.
Once completed, Harnandipuram is expected to support Ghaziabad's growing urban population by providing planned residential development, supporting infrastructure, and improved connectivity. The township also aligns with the Uttar Pradesh government's broader objective of promoting organised urban expansion through integrated planning and public investment.
Development phases
Frequently asked questions
Why were three villages removed from the master plan?
Three villages—Shahpur Morta, Bhowapur, and Morta—covering around 151 hectares were removed from the master plan to make the project more financially viable.
How much land is now included in the project?
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has reduced the proposed Harnandipuram township project from 521 hectares to 371 hectares, citing financial limitations.
What is the total project cost?
The overall cost of developing Harnandipuram is estimated at ₹15,000 crore, with a significant portion expected to be spent on acquiring land from farmers through mutually agreed compensation.
How many villages remain in the Phase 1 scope?
The first phase will focus on preparing the layout plan for 336 hectares spread across the villages of Mathurapur, Shamsher, and Nangla Feroze Mohan Nagar.
What will the DPR cover?
Under the DPR, locations will be designated within the township for a drainage system, wide roads, green areas, residential and commercial plots, health services, and educational and social facilities.
What happens if farmers and GDA cannot agree on land rates?
If mutual consent cannot be reached, the GDA will resort to the Land Acquisition Act. This approach aims to streamline the process and minimize delays.
Sources
- Harnandipuram Township Gets Rs. 943 Crore Funding
- UP Govt Approves ₹943 Crore for Ghaziabad's Harnandipuram Township Project
- Ghaziabad Development Authority cuts Harnandipuram Township area by 150 hectares
- Harnandipuram township in Ghaziabad: Key details, launch date, impact
- Harnandipuram Housing Scheme Ghaziabad: GDA Township & Launch Timeline