40 lakh new homes, Metro expansion with 24-hour service: How Master Plan 2047 aims to transform Delhi
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Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal has unveiled ‘The Master Plan for Delhi 2047’ (MPD 2047) on Thursday, laying out an ambitious roadmap to accommodate the capital's projected population of around 3.2 crore by 2047, with plans for nearly 40 lakh new homes and a major expansion of the city's public transport network inclding metro rail.
Expansion of Delhi Metro network
The minister said the Delhi Metro network will be expanded to 695 km by 2047 from the existing 416 km. The plan also proposes six new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors to strengthen connectivity across the national capital and the wider Delhi-NCR region.
Addressing a joint press conference with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lal said Delhi's population is expected to reach approximately 3.20 crore by 2047, creating significant pressure on housing, transport and other urban infrastructure.
40 lakh new homes for citizens
Under MPD 2047, 30-40 lakh new homes are targeted to be developed to meet the city's future housing requirements. The plan also focuses on affordable housing through Transit Oriented Development (TOD), under which residential and commercial developments will be promoted around Metro and RRTS stations.
The government also plans to improve last-mile connectivity to Metro and RRTS stations. Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate have been identified as multi-modal transport hubs, bringing together Metro, RRTS, bus, railway and other public transport services.
24-hour Metro operations
Lal also announced that 24-hour Metro operations are being proposed as part of the broader 24-hour city plan, aimed at enabling round-the-clock public transport connectivity.
The master plan seeks to balance rapid urban development with environmental protection. Around 180 sq km of the Yamuna floodplains and the Ridge area will be preserved, according to the minister.
Removal of building height restrictions
The plan also removes building height restrictions in most areas, except where specific restrictions apply. Data centres, co-working spaces and cloud kitchens have been included under the new economies category, reflecting the changing nature of Delhi's commercial and employment landscape.
The MPD 2047 also shifts urban planning from a predominantly regulatory approach towards a development-oriented framework designed to encourage investment, innovation and job creation.
The revitalisation of Delhi
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the long-awaited plan would revitalise Delhi by focusing on affordable housing and stronger transportation infrastructure.
Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the master plan aims to transform Delhi into a world-class, inclusive and economically vibrant city capable of supporting nearly 3.2 crore people.