If Delhi is to be decongested it is imperative that not only its infrastructure be developed in an organised manner but also that its adjacent cities and the counter magnates, as envisaged under the NCR Master Plan 2021, be developed in a manner comparable to that of Delhi.

One third of Haryana falls within the NCR. The potential of the Tier II cities like Panipat, Rohtak, Karnal and Sonepat remains untapped even till now.

The case of Kundli, a decrepit town a couple of years ago, is a classic example of what a positive sentiment towards development can mean. This town is going the way Gurgaon went during the mid 1990s after being declared part of NCR in Delhi Master Plan 2021.The prices of real estate in this town have escalated in geometric progression and much faster than the other plots/estates developed by HSIIDC.

Lots of news is in the air regarding the development of infrastructure of Delhi and NCR, especially after the recent meeting of the National Capital Planning Board (NCPB). In its 29th meeting the NCPB has decided to take a fresh initiative by way of offering loans for infrastructure development at reduced rates. This move by the NCPB is tantamount to a financial incentive for the infrastructure developers. The decision of discounted rate of 5.5% interest for loans on infrastructure projects can be equated to a performance linked incentive package. It has all the making of an attractive financial assistance package for participating states and has the potential to provide the necessary stimulus for the growth of infrastructure projects in the NCR.

Apart from the discounted interest rates for infrastructure projects, the NCPB also decided to allocate Rs. 8,000/- crore for the development of the National Capital Region (NCR). Out of the four major programmes approved, in line with the NCR Regional Plan 2021, at least two are bound to have a major impact on the lives of the citizens of Delhi: The development of national highways and roads in area adjoining Delhi and the establishment of seven metros and 11 regional centers to reduce pressure on the National Capital. The improvement of potable water, power and sewage systems, too have been put on the agenda.

Along with the above steps that the NCPB decided to initiate in its meeting, other news that also sounds encouraging if implemented, is the decision to make the NCR a better place to live in.

The targeted counter magnate cities, Patiala (Punjab), Hisar (Haryana), Kota (Rajasthan), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), and Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh) are slated to be developed at a faster pace, at par with the NCR.

The Government is seriously considering the thought of putting up three smart gates, out of the eight planned, at the entry points of Delhi on Build Operate and Transfer basis. There will be a tax and trade department office, toll collection booths, petrol pump, food courts, tourism kiosks and a weighbridge at these gates and will serve as facilitation centers.

Two other developments that are on the cards are that of using plastic waste in construction of roads in Delhi and NCR. Use of plastic waste in making roads has already been tried in Bangalore. Roads using plastic waste, score above the conventional roads inasmuch as they require low maintenance for a longer period and also do not let water accumulate on them.

The government is also considering setting up of a Special Economic Zone of 150 to 200 acres for apparels and gems trade. The government feels that there is enough potential for this industry as a lot of business activity in apparels and gems is being done from garages and godowns. For this purpose the expression of interest has already been issued and parties short-listed.

All this news sound pretty encouraging and one would hope that all of them are implemented as soon as possible. It is, however, to be seen whether the multiplicity of municipal authorities in Delhi and NCR will let the development process move ahead smoothly or not.