Purna Singh New Delhi

NewDelhi: Delhi has unveiled its long-term development blueprint, the Master Plan for Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047), aimed at transforming the national capital into a more connected, sustainable and economically vibrant global city while preparing for a projected population of 3.2 crore by 2047.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unveiled the plan on Thursday in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The blueprint is aligned with the Centre's “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” vision.

Prepared by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the plan adopts an infrastructure-led growth model, directing development towards areas with existing or planned roads, public transport, water supply and digital connectivity.

Housing is a major focus, with Delhi expected to require nearly 40 lakh additional residential units by 2047. The DDA plans to address the demand through land pooling and redevelopment, including higher-density development around transport corridors.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) will integrate housing with public transportation, particularly around metro stations and major corridors. The plan also proposes economic corridors and industrial clusters to attract investment and generate employment. A 138-hectare Education Hub in Narela is envisaged as a centre for education, technology and entrepreneurship.

The blueprint seeks to improve living conditions in slums and JJ clusters through in-situ redevelopment, allowing residents to remain close to their existing communities. Unauthorised colonies will also be integrated into the formal urban structure through regularisation and improvements in roads, sewerage and civic amenities.

Environmental sustainability is another major pillar. The plan promotes green-blue infrastructure, restoration of Yamuna floodplains, urban forests and ecological corridors. Delhi's green cover, currently around 22 per cent, is to be strengthened.

Transport planning will prioritise public transport, pedestrians and cyclists over private vehicles. Expansion of the MRTS and RRTS is expected to improve connectivity with NCR cities such as Meerut, Panipat and Karnal.