Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma,New Delhi

DDA Clears ₹15,000-Crore Budget; 48 Villages to Be Urbanised, Boost for Atal Canteens and Narela Education Hub


In a major push toward planned urban expansion and fiscal strength, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved a budget of ₹14,962 crore for 2026–27, marking a significant milestone in the capital’s development roadmap.


Notably, the authority has projected a revenue surplus of ₹2,112 crore, making it the third consecutive year that DDA has presented a surplus budget — a reflection of improved financial management and strategic planning.


The meeting was chaired by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena, during which several key proposals aimed at accelerating infrastructure growth and urban reforms received approval.
48 Villages to Be Urbanised
One of the most significant decisions includes the approval to urbanise the remaining 48 villages in Delhi.
Out of 357 villages in the capital, 309 have already been declared urban.
The remaining 48 will now be integrated into planned urban zones.
Post-urbanisation, policies such as Land Pooling, Green Area Development, Redevelopment, and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) will be implemented.
This move is expected to bridge infrastructure gaps and enable structured, sustainable expansion across the capital.


Land Allotted for Atal Canteens
In a socially impactful decision, DDA has approved the allocation of vacant land for the expansion of Atal Canteens.
The land will be leased to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) at a symbolic rate of ₹1 per year for nine years.
Gram Sabha properties in newly urbanised villages will also be handed over to departments and civic bodies on an “as-is, where-is” licensing basis.


The move is expected to strengthen food security initiatives and provide affordable meals to economically weaker sections.


New Advertisement Policy to Boost Revenue
To enhance non-tax revenue, DDA has cleared a new advertisement policy aligned with Delhi’s Outdoor Advertising Policy-2017.
A revenue-sharing model will be adopted, similar to other agencies.
However, revenue-sharing will not apply to advertisements placed within DDA parks and internal premises.
The policy is designed to maximise commercial utilisation while maintaining regulatory discipline.


Narela to Emerge as an Education Hub
In another forward-looking initiative, DDA has approved relief on premium and interest payments for seven government universities allotted land in Narela Sub-City.


The proposal will be sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for final approval.


The decision is expected to accelerate Narela’s transformation into a major education hub, attracting students and academic institutions from across the country.


A New Phase of Structured Growth
The approved budget and urbanisation plan signal a decisive step toward modern infrastructure, improved civic amenities, and sustainable fiscal governance.


With a surplus budget, village urbanisation, land support for social schemes, and educational expansion in Narela, Delhi appears poised for a transformative phase. Observers note that the integrated approach combining financial prudence and inclusive development could significantly reshape the capital’s urban landscape in the coming years.