Lucknow Development Authority Greenlights Ambitious Rs 5,148 Crore Budget for 2026-27
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has officially sanctioned a comprehensive budget of Rs 5,148 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, marking a significant investment in the city's urban development. The budget, approved during the authority's 187th board meeting held on Friday, places a strong emphasis on expanding affordable housing, creating new townships, and enhancing basic infrastructure throughout Lucknow.
Focus on Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
Under the leadership of divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, who chaired the meeting, the LDA has allocated substantial funds to address the growing demand for affordable housing. A key highlight is the allocation of Rs 200 crore for constructing 848 flats in Sharda Nagar Extension. This project will feature four 12-storey towers offering one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, complete with essential amenities such as reliable water supply, electricity, parking facilities, elevators, parks, and dedicated play areas for residents.
Officials confirmed that this initiative aligns with directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has prioritized the expansion of affordable housing across Uttar Pradesh. LDA vice-chairperson Prathmesh Kumar emphasized that the budget strategically prioritizes housing and infrastructure, including critical components like land acquisition, ongoing schemes, and the timely completion of existing projects.
Major Financial Allocations and Development Projects
The budget outlines several significant financial commitments aimed at transforming Lucknow's urban landscape:
- Land Acquisition: Rs 1,600 crore has been earmarked for acquiring land in key areas, including IT City, Wellness City, Naimish Nagar, and Varun Vihar, to facilitate future development.
- Housing Schemes: A sum of Rs 1,298 crore will be dedicated to developing and maintaining various housing schemes, ensuring quality living standards for residents.
- Infrastructure Development: Rs 200 crore has been allocated specifically for infrastructure projects, focusing on improving connectivity and public utilities.
- Green Corridor Project: The environmentally significant Green Corridor project will receive Rs 400 crore to enhance urban greenery and sustainability.
- Parks and Maintenance: Rs 60 crore has been set aside for the creation and upkeep of parks, promoting recreational spaces within the city.
Additionally, funds have been designated under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 to further support affordable housing initiatives.
Comprehensive Urban Planning and Regulatory Measures
The LDA board has also approved several measures to streamline urban planning and combat illegal construction. An allocation of Rs 2 crore has been made for machinery to act against unauthorized structures, ensuring compliance with building regulations.
In Gomti Nagar Extension, land adjacent to Saraswati Apartment will be converted into a community centre, fostering social engagement. Furthermore, the width of a proposed road in Sector-6 has been reduced, with the surplus land to be utilized for housing and commercial purposes, optimizing land use efficiency.
To provide stability in the real estate market, flat prices in Parijat and Panchsheel apartments will remain unchanged for one year. The board has also sanctioned new building by-laws for specific properties and approved layout modifications in schemes such as CG City, Aishbagh, and Rifah-e-Aam.
Families impacted by the Anant Nagar housing scheme will be offered alternative housing in Atal Nagar, subject to eligibility criteria, ensuring minimal disruption to residents. Other approvals include permissions related to a hi-tech township project, revisions to map approval fees, and the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Redevelopment Policy 2026.
Increase in Map Approval Fees
In a move reflecting rising costs, the LDA has announced a 3% increase in map approval fees, effective from April 1. Officials cited the escalating cost index as the rationale behind this hike, which will affect individuals and builders seeking approval for both residential and commercial construction projects. Key components such as development charges, inspection fees, and permission fees are set to be revised upwards accordingly.
This budget approval underscores the LDA's commitment to fostering sustainable urban growth, enhancing livability, and addressing the housing needs of Lucknow's residents through strategic investments and regulatory improvements.
