• Introduction

A central objective of MPD-2047 is to facilitate approximately 40 lakh new housing units, with a significant emphasis on affordable housing. Rather than relying only on outward expansion, the plan combines redevelopment of existing urban areas with planned expansion through land pooling. It also seeks to make Delhi more connected, environmentally resilient and economically competitive.

2. Origin and Intent

Delhi’s previous statutory master plan, MPD-2021, was notified in 2007. A draft MPD-2041 was subsequently prepared and placed for public consultation, but the planning framework has now evolved into the notified MPD-2047, reflecting a longer-term vision aligned with the broader objective of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The new plan responds to the constraints of limited land availability, rising housing demand and unplanned development. It adopts two broad approaches: area-based redevelopment for existing brownfield areas and road-based planning for greenfield areas. The first focuses on transit-oriented development, mixed-use development and infrastructure augmentation, while the second relies on land pooling and planned road networks to support future urban expansion.

3. Key Amendments

Housing is at the centre of MPD-2047. The minimum area required for redevelopment of existing group housing, DDA and government housing has been reduced from 40,000 sq m to 3,000 sq m, which is expected to facilitate around 7 lakh additional dwelling units. Around 18 lakh affordable homes are proposed in Transit-Oriented Development zones along Metro corridors. The plan also provides a 50% FAR incentive for affordable rental housing aimed at students, working professionals, migrant workers and low-income groups. An additional 15% FAR is provided for workers’ housing on industrial plots of 5,000 sq m and above.

The land-pooling policy is another major component. Nearly 200 sq km is earmarked for planned urban expansion, with the potential to create around 12 lakh new homes and a proposed 600-km road network. The approach envisages infrastructure being developed ahead of large-scale construction to prevent the unplanned growth seen in parts of Delhi.

The plan also addresses informal and unauthorised settlements. Housing interventions under “Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makaan” are expected to benefit more than 17 lakh residents of jhuggi-jhopri clusters. Residential buildings in 1,511 unauthorised colonies are proposed for regularisation on an “as is where is” basis, potentially providing greater ownership security to around 45 lakh residents.

4. Impact

Transport planning is another major focus. MPD-2047 proposes a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority to coordinate an integrated transport system and multimodal hubs connecting Metro, RRTS, buses, intermediate public transport, walking and cycling. The Metro network is targeted to expand by 2047, alongside improvements in regional and intra-city connectivity. A Unified Parking Planning Framework is also proposed.

The plan gives equal importance to economic development and environmental sustainability. Narela is proposed as an education hub, with 138 hectares reserved for universities, while Dwarka is envisioned as an international gateway and investment hub for sectors such as IT, start-ups, data centres and industrial parks.

Environmentally, the plan proposes ecological restoration of nearly 1,700 hectares of the Yamuna floodplains through 13 projects, along with a 52-km cycle track. It also promotes sewage-treatment infrastructure, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, water recycling, green mobility and energy-efficient buildings.

5.Conclusion

MPD-2047 represents a shift towards denser, transit-oriented and infrastructure-led urban development, while attempting to balance growth with affordable housing and ecological protection. Its provisions could unlock underutilised land, support redevelopment of older neighbourhoods and improve connectivity across Delhi.

However, the success of the plan will ultimately depend on implementation. Higher FAR and greater development potential will need to be matched by adequate water, sewerage, roads, public transport and social infrastructure. Similarly, regularisation of unauthorised colonies will need to be accompanied by genuine neighbourhood improvement. The challenge will be to translate the master plan from a broad planning framework into coordinated investment, effective approvals and accountable implementation across Delhi’s multiple agencies.