Budget Approved
LDA Allocates ₹5,148 Crore in 2026-27 Budget; Varun Vihar Township Among Key Funded Schemes
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has approved a budget of INR 5,148 crore for FY 2026-27, focusing on affordable housing, land acquisition, and infrastructure upgrades. Varun Vihar is among key schemes allocated funds under this budget, marking continued government commitment to the state's largest planned residential township.
| Total LDA Budget (FY 2026-27) | ₹5,148 crore |
|---|---|
| Land Acquisition Fund Allocation | ₹1,600 crore (for major schemes including Varun Vihar and Naimish Nagar) |
| Board Approval | 187th board meeting in March 2026 |
| Varun Vihar Total Area | Approximately 6,580 acres |
| Total Plots Planned | More than 15,000 plots across 25 sectors |
| Green Spaces Allocation | Over 980 acres for green belts, parks, and water bodies |
| Logistics Park Area | 300 acres |
| Farmer Compensation Distributed (as of July 2026) | ₹300 crore |
| Land Registry Completed | 450 bighas (approximately 56 acres) |
| Farmers Involved in Acquisition | 22,403 farmers across 12 villages |
What Happened
The Lucknow Development Authority approved a budget of INR 5,148 crore for FY 2026-27 during its 187th board meeting, focusing on affordable housing, land acquisition, and infrastructure upgrades. Varun Vihar is among key schemes allocated funds in this approval, which was announced in March 2026.
The budget includes INR 1,600 crore for land acquisition in key growth corridors and funds for existing housing schemes, mobility projects, and civic infrastructure.
Who Decided
The decision was taken during the authority's 187th board meeting chaired by the divisional commissioner. LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar—the same official behind IT City and Wellness City—is personally overseeing the Varun Vihar project.
Project Scope and Numbers
The Varun Vihar scheme is proposed over an area of approximately 6,580 acres near the Agra Expressway. The Varun Vihar Yojna will have a total of 25 sectors with underground services (cable lines), where more than 15,000 plots will be created.
It will feature residential, commercial, Mixed-use, institutional and group housing plots. In the first phase, LDA will launch around 1,926 residential plots, including 1,218 plots in Kailash Khand and 708 plots in Kashi Khand.
The plan includes a 300-acre logistics park with direct connectivity to the expressway and Kisanpath, more than 15,000 residential, commercial, and group-housing plots, and supporting facilities such as an inter-state bus terminal, an international-standard golf course, and a central park. Over 980 acres will be developed as green belts, parks, and water bodies.
Land Acquisition Status
Registry (Bainama) of approximately 450 bighas of land has been completed for the scheme. Possession has been acquired for 105 bighas of land. A compensation amount of ₹300 crore has been distributed to the farmers so far.
The process of registering land from 22,403 farmers is being carried out in a phased manner. Varun Vihar's land is being acquired from 12 villages spread across Sadar and Sarojini Nagar tehsils of Lucknow district.
Strategic Significance
Varun Vihar Yojana is officially described by LDA as "the largest residential scheme in the state." It is a fully planned urban township designed to be self-sufficient from day one.
The project is part of LDA's Master Plan 2031—the same plan that includes IT City, Wellness City, Anant Nagar (Education City) and Prabandh Nagar. Unlike IT City or Wellness City which are focused on one theme—technology or health—Varun Vihar is different. It's a logistics + residential township, not a technology or health township.
What Comes Next
LDA is expected to launch the Varun Vihar Housing Scheme near the Agra Expressway in mid-July 2026. Online registration is likely to begin after the official launch announcement. The decision was finalized by LDA vice-chairperson Prathamesh Kumar, with online registration opening for more than 3,100 residential plots in the first phase.
All plot allotments will be conducted through a lottery system. Applications must be submitted online through the LDA official website.
Development phases
Land use
Frequently asked questions
What is Varun Vihar Yojana?
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is developing the largest residential scheme in the state, named the Varun Vihar Yojana, proposed over an area of approximately 6,580 acres near the Agra Expressway.
When was the 2026-27 budget approved?
The decision was taken during the authority's 187th board meeting in March 2026, chaired by the divisional commissioner.
How much land has been acquired so far?
Registry (Bainama) of approximately 450 bighas of land has been completed for the scheme. Possession has been acquired for 105 bighas of land.
When will Phase 1 launch?
LDA is expected to launch the Varun Vihar Housing Scheme near the Agra Expressway in mid-July 2026. Online registration is likely to begin after the official launch announcement.
How many plots will be offered in Phase 1?
In the first phase, LDA will launch around 1,926 residential plots, including 1,218 plots in Kailash Khand and 708 plots in Kashi Khand.
What is the expected plot pricing?
The tentative land rate is expected to be around ₹2,800 per sq ft, though LDA will announce the final pricing at launch.
How will plots be allotted?
All plot allotments will be conducted through a lottery system. Applications must be submitted online through the LDA official website.
Sources
- LDA Approves INR 5,148 Crore Budget to Expand Affordable Housing and City Infrastructure
- Varun Vihar Yojna – Lucknow Development Authority (Official)
- Varun Vihar Yojana Lucknow 2026: LDA's Largest Scheme
- LDA Launches Varun Vihar and Naimish Nagar Housing Schemes
- Lucknow Development Authority Approves Varun Vihar Housing Scheme
- LDA Varun Vihar Township - eAuctionsIndia