Project Update
YEIDA to Move Forward on New Agra Urban Centre; Board Proposal Set for Approval
Development is set to begin soon at YEIDA's Agra Urban Centre, with a formal proposal on the matter slated to be placed before the YEIDA board for approval. The announcement, made July 31, 2026, signals the authority's move from master-planning stages to operational execution on the region's largest proposed urban centre.
| Project Area | 12,200 hectares across 58 villages in Agra district |
|---|---|
| Target Population | 14.6 lakh (1.46 million) |
| Planned Employment | 8.5 lakh jobs |
| Residential Land | 2,501 hectares, 27.7% of total area |
| Industrial Land | 1,813 hectares, 20.11% of total area |
| Tourism & Entertainment | 640 hectares reserved |
| Environmental Buffer | 823 hectares as Yamuna buffer zone; 485 hectares as green spaces |
| Supervising Office | YEIDA regional office in Mathura |
What Happens Next
Development is set to begin soon at YEIDA's Agra Urban Centre, with a formal proposal on the matter slated to be placed before the YEIDA board for approval. This marks the transition from the completed master-plan stage to the operational phase. The master plan itself was completed by YEIDA for the New Agra Urban Centre across 12,200 hectares in 58 villages of the Agra district.
Project Scope & Land Use
The new city is designed to accommodate a population of 14.6 lakh, and aims to generate employment for 8.5 lakh people by promoting tourism, industry and commercial development. The plan designates 2,501 hectares (27.7%) for residential use and 1,813 hectares (20.11%) for industrial use.
Given Agra's historic importance, 640 hectares are reserved for tourism and entertainment, including theme parks, hotels, resorts, museums, digital entertainment zones, and cultural centres near the Yamuna River.
Environmental & Sustainability Standards
In light of Agra's environmental sensitivity as part of the Taj Trapezium Zone, the New Agra plan prioritises green and pollution-free development, with only white and green category industries allowed. The master plan earmarks 823 hectares as a buffer zone along the Yamuna and 485 hectares as green spaces, with forest and agricultural lands preserved over 434 hectares.
Design & Planning Framework
Following the phases of development in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Mathura, the New Agra city will draw inspiration from Chandigarh, with roads and green belts integrated along with dedicated pedestrian pathways. The YEIDA regional office in Mathura will oversee the project's execution.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
The proposed city will benefit from direct access to the Yamuna Expressway, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and future high-speed rail connectivity linked to Jewar Airport. New Agra is approximately 120 km from Noida International Airport, with planned high-speed rail connectivity between the two nodes.
Development Status (As of August 2026)
The New Agra Urban Centre is in the pre-operational phase. The master plan was presented for approval in YEIDA's board meeting in April 2025, with the project commencing post-approval. The July 31, 2026 announcement indicates that the formal proposal for beginning active development work is now being readied for the board, suggesting ground-level operations may commence following board sign-off.
Land use
Frequently asked questions
When will construction actually begin?
Development is set to begin soon after the proposal is placed before the YEIDA board for approval. The board approval date has not been announced in current reports.
Why are environmental protections so strict?
Agra's environmental sensitivity is due to it being part of the Taj Trapezium Zone, which the New Agra plan prioritises for green and pollution-free development.
How many villages will be affected?
The project is set to be developed across 12,200 hectares in 58 villages of the Agra district.
Will New Agra have a connection to Jewar Airport?
The proposed city will benefit from direct access to the Yamuna Expressway and future high-speed rail connectivity linked to Jewar Airport, with New Agra approximately 120 km from Noida International Airport.
What design model is being followed?
Following development phases in other regions, the New Agra city will draw inspiration from Chandigarh, with roads and green belts integrated along with dedicated pedestrian pathways.
How much land is reserved for non-industrial uses?
Approximately 79.89% of land is allocated to non-industrial uses, including residential (27.7%), tourism (5.2%), green and buffer zones (10.6%), education/healthcare (3.3%), and mixed-use/commercial and other infrastructure (approximately 33.1%).
Sources
- Development to Begin Soon at YEIDA's Agra Urban Centre; Proposal to Be Placed Before the Board
- New Agra Master Plan Unveiled: YEIDA Plans To House 14.6 Lakh People, Create 8.5 Lakh Jobs
- New Agra to unlock UP's next growth phase; YEIDA targets 14 lakh homes, 10 lakh jobs
- YEIDA To Develop 'New Agra' Along Yamuna Expressway
- Yeida selects consultant to create new urban Agra city near Yamuna Expressway