YEIDA Presented Krishna-Themed Heritage City to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister

What Was Presented

A proposal for the development of a Heritage City in the Raya Urban Center Region was presented to the Chief Minister, focusing on cultural and religious attractions related to Lord Krishna, highlighting the strategic location near Vrindavan City, emphasizing accessibility and potential tourist footfall.

The plan includes various features such as themed parks, museums, and a pilgrim gateway complex, with amendments to the master plan for better infrastructure integration.

Who Decided and What Changed

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Master Plan-2031 for the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), marking a transformative phase for the Raya Urban Centre in Mathura. This ambitious plan aims to enhance Mathura's economy and tourism by integrating religious, residential, economic, and industrial spaces, aligns with the Heritage City project and promotes urban expansion while preserving the area's historical significance.

The decision marks a significant shift in the project's execution strategy, with YEIDA opting for a hybrid model that combines government-led and public-private partnership (PPP) approaches, following a series of financial and operational reviews which suggested that a fully PPP-based model could face challenges in cost recovery.

Project Scale and Zoning

Spanning 9,366.2 hectares, with potential expansion to 11,653.76 hectares, the Raya Urban Centre will feature a strategic mix of land uses along both sides of the Yamuna Expressway.

The ₹7,200-crore project, located within the proposed Raya Urban Centre, spans around 753 acres and aims to develop a heritage-themed township inspired by the cultural and spiritual legacy of Lord Krishna's Braj region.

The absolute crown jewel of the project is the massive 350-acre Heritage Zone, with the core vision for this area akin to a 'Living Museum' featuring highly immersive recreations of mythological locations—replicated pastoral villages from the Dwapara Yuga, interactive, tech-driven exhibitions on the life of Lord Krishna, and grand, open-air performance arenas specifically designed for the traditional Raas Leela.

Core Infrastructure Elements

A 100-foot-tall statue of Lord Krishna, situated at the centre of a grand temple complex, will act as the focal point of the development, with wellness and yoga centres, hotels, convention spaces, artisan markets, and cultural parks reflecting the art, architecture, and traditions of the Braj circuit.

The Heritage City will feature a 30-kilometre-long Yamuna riverfront, which will serve as a scenic and recreational stretch integrated with the township's layout.

YEIDA has decided to acquire and build a 7-km dedicated Greenfield Expressway connecting the Yamuna Expressway with the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, starting near the Vrindavan exit on the Yamuna expressway and culminating around 1.5 km before the Banke Bihari temple through a bridge on Yamuna river.

Land Use Allocation in Master Plan-2031

Commercial activities are crucial to the Master Plan-2031, with approximately 701.68 hectares allocated for commercial spaces, establishing Raya Urban Centre as a dynamic hub for trade and business that will benefit local entrepreneurs, retail businesses, and larger corporations.

Additionally, 853.46 hectares have been reserved for industrial development, strategically positioned to encourage local manufacturing and logistics, contributing to economic growth.

Green spaces are a significant focus of the master plan, with 1,592.26 hectares designated as green belts, with parks and playgrounds covering 586.87 hectares and 287.10 hectares reserved for recreational green spaces.

The allocation of 2,216.25 hectares for residential use reflects YEIDA's commitment to creating vibrant living spaces within the urban centre, supporting Mathura's current and future population, accommodating both existing rural residents and newcomers.

What Happens Next

The detailed project report for the Heritage City has been approved by the authority board, with the report set to be reviewed by the UP bid evaluation committee and the committee of secretaries, following which YEIDA will initiate the land acquisition process, which is essential for bringing the Master Plan-2031 to fruition.

Once board approvals are secured, land acquisition and initial infrastructure works will begin, followed by phased development of residential plots and cultural zones.

The first phase is expected to be completed by 2027. Land acquisition for the Heritage City near Mathura is in progress.