New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant and forward-looking move aimed at strengthening public higher education and balanced urban development, the Delhi government has facilitated the allotment of land to two key state universities in Narela, paving the way for the creation of a major education and sports hub in north Delhi.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has formally handed over land to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and the Delhi Teachers’ University (DTU) for the development of new campuses. The initiative is expected to expand academic infrastructure, ease pressure on existing campuses and provide thousands of students access to world-class facilities.


Formal handover completed
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena formally handed over the land documents to Education Minister Ashish Sood, marking the completion of a long-pending process.
Delhi Teachers’ University has been allotted 12.7 acres of land in Narela, for which the Delhi government has paid ₹92.2 crore to the DDA.
GGSIPU has received 22.4 acres to establish its third campus, involving a payment of ₹162.9 crore.


Major budgetary commitment to education
The current BJP-led Delhi government has demonstrated strong political will by allocating ₹500 crore for these universities in its first budget, of which ₹452 crore has already been paid to the DDA. An additional provision of ₹500 crore has also been approved in the revised budget estimates, underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to higher education.


Beyond infrastructure: a modern campus vision
Education Minister Ashish Sood said the proposed Narela Education City would go far beyond basic infrastructure. Planned facilities include:
Modern libraries and digital learning spaces
State-of-the-art laboratories
Seminar halls and auditoriums
Advanced research and innovation centres
To support a vibrant academic ecosystem, residential facilities for students, faculty and staff — including flats and hostels — are also planned, with a proposed investment of around ₹567 crore.


Transformational impact on north Delhi
Education experts believe the move will significantly strengthen Delhi’s public university system, ensure optimal utilisation of resources and transform Narela into a new academic growth centre. The project is also expected to spur local economic development and improve access to quality education for students from north and northwest Delhi.


A clear signal of priority for education
The land allotment and substantial financial backing reflect a clear policy message: education remains central to Delhi’s development agenda. By combining infrastructure expansion with long-term planning, the government has taken a commendable step towards building a robust, inclusive and future-ready higher education ecosystem in the national capital.