LUCKNOW, Aug. 2 -- New circle rates came into effect in Lucknow on Friday with substantial revisions in urban and peri-urban zones. Under the latest revision that has come after a decade, circle rates have been increased in the range of 15-25 per cent, depending on the area and the type of the property. The revision aligns official land valuations with current market realities and strategic urban expansions-especially along major corridors like Purvanchal Expressway, Kisan Path and Outer Ring Road. The Lucknow district administration had last month announced new circle rates under the Uttar Pradesh Stamp (Valuation of Property) Rules, 1997, and its subsequent amendments. Circle rates are the government-notified minimum prices at which properties can be registered during a transaction. Unlike past revisions which focused solely on rate increase, this update emerges from a systematic classification of zones based on development potential and infrastructural proximity. Key areas near expressways, metro routes and upcoming residential belts have witnessed sharp increases. Prominent examples include Gomti Nagar and Gomti Nagar Extension, where rates now range from Rs 33,000 to Rs 77,000 per square metre. Janakipuram and Indira Nagar are witnessing up to a 25% hike. Peripheral villages near Indira Dam to Nigohan Toll, have seen sharp recalibrations. Land previously dismissed as "non-urban" has found new worth along expressway corridors. Villages once valued at Rs 200-250 per square metre have now jumped to Rs 2,200-Rs 4,000 per square metre, driven by plotted development projects and proximity to road networks. In a first, the DM's office has launched a QR code system to guide citizens through the updated registry process. This includes detailed insights into stamp duty rebates for women (up to Rs 1 lakh), concessions for veterans, persons with disabilities, and low-income groups and transfer benefits for immediate family through donation deeds, capped at Rs 5,000 in stamp duty. The administration opted for micro-zonal classification. Rates differ within same locality based on infrastructure access. For instance, Vibhuti Khand (Summit Building-facing plots) now command Rs 77,000 per square metre. Yet, parts of Gomti Nagar away from arterial roads remain at Rs 33,000 per square metre....