GREATER NOIDA:, June 9 -- The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) has decided to seek feedback from the general public and stakeholders before moving forward with its ambitious 'New Agra City Project.' Once suggestions from the public, the Agra Development Authority, and other stakeholders are received and reviewed, key inputs will be incorporated into the zonal plan of the proposed urban centre, officials said. "We have prepared a draft zonal plan for the new city along the Yamuna Expressway near Agra. This will now be discussed with the Agra Development Authority and other stakeholders. Once finalised, we will begin work on the ground. In the first phase, we plan to develop the industrial zone, which is a crucial part of this green city," said Yeida CEO Arun Vir Singh. A meeting to discuss the plan is likely to be held next month. The zonal plan has been prepared in line with the rules, following the Uttar Pradesh government's approval of the Master Plan-2031 in March 2025. According to Yeida officials, the zonal plan must be finalised before on-site work begins. Spread across approximately 12,000 hectares, the New Agra Urban Centre will focus on industrial, residential, commercial, and tourism-based development. Unlike Noida, which allows orange and yellow category industries, Yeida plans to permit only green-category industries in this project. "If stakeholders suggest changes during the upcoming meeting, we will revise the plan accordingly before taking it to the next stage. Industrial development will be our first priority, with other aspects to follow later," Singh added. As per Yeida's estimates, the new urban centre will accommodate a population of 14.5 lakh and generate around 8.5 lakh jobs. "This project will be unique. Agra is globally known for the Taj Mahal, and we want to showcase our heritage, culture, architecture, and governance to international visitors. It will be a beautiful city like Chandigarh," said Singh. Once the zonal plan is finalised, Yeida will begin acquiring land directly from farmers. "If farmers agree to sell, we'll buy through direct registry to avoid delays under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013," Singh added. The proposed land-use pattern includes 29% for residential areas, 22% for green zones, 17% for green-category industries, and 7% for public, educational, and healthcare facilities. Commercial zones will occupy 5%, mixed land use 4%, and 16% has been reserved for transport infrastructure. The remaining area will be used for miscellaneous purposes. Each sector will include green zones, and no building gate will open directly onto a main road. The road network will include arterial, sector, service, and internal roads, all lined with green belts. Residential sectors will span 800 to 1,200 metres for better traffic management. Dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and segregated utility corridors are planned. The city will also feature heritage parks, water bodies, and museums to promote ecological balance and cultural appeal. "Tourists come to Agra for the Taj Mahal, but we want them to experience India's art, culture, and planning through this city," Singh said. Officials added that Yeida aims to make the New Agra City a model of planned development-better than Chandigarh and Noida....