Delhi Resident Welfare Associations Voice Alarm Over Transit-Oriented Development Policy
Multiple Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Delhi have raised significant concerns regarding the potential chaos that may ensue from the implementation of the new Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy. The policy, which allows for mixed-use development on plots situated along metro corridors and within a 500-metre radius of RRTS stations and railway lines, has sparked fears among residents about its impact on urban livability and environmental sustainability.
Mixed-Use Development and Traffic Congestion Concerns
While the TOD policy mandates that 65% of the plot area must be reserved for residential purposes, residents remain deeply sceptical about the strict adherence to these norms. Members of the Save Our City campaign have pointed out that the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021, previously introduced the concept of mixed land use, which they claim has effectively transformed the city into a non-stop marketplace. They allege that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has not conducted any comprehensive field survey or audit over the past decade to assess the impact of this policy shift.
Rajiv Kakria, convener of the campaign, explained: "All-day peak-hour traffic in residential areas due to the intermingling of office and commercial spaces has made these zones chaotic round the clock. Earlier, master plan roads witnessed heavy traffic only during peak hours, but that scenario has changed. Constant congestion not only leads to 24x7 vehicular emissions but also prevents dust from settling, resulting in persistently high AQI levels."
Specific Examples and Policy Coverage
The group highlighted that they have submitted their objections and suggestions in 2019 and November 2025, yet despite assurances from authorities, their concerns have not been adequately addressed. Citing a specific example, residents pointed to Greater Kailash-I (GK-I), which is surrounded by multiple metro lines—the Pink Line to the north, Magenta Line to the south, Violet Line to the east, and the proposed Red Line extension to the west. This geographical positioning brings nearly 85% of the neighbourhood under the ambit of the TOD policy.
Kakria added: "The 500-metre corridor will cover most of GK-I, especially since the two metro lines in the area are less than 800 metres apart. Similar situations will arise across Delhi. We question why areas like Lutyens’ Delhi, Civil Lines, or heritage zones have not been included, so that the impact is more evenly felt."
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Residents further argued that the changes disregard provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act. Kakria noted: "Sections 311, 312, and 314 of the DMC Act mandate that building sanction plans must adhere to designated land use. Bringing a 500-metre metro corridor under the TOD policy and permitting mixed use in redevelopment areas appears to indirectly legitimise what was otherwise difficult under the upcoming MPD-2041."
Floor Area Ratio and Opposition
RWAs have also questioned the permission granted for a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 500 in 2000 square metres within the landlocked city, despite consistent opposition at multiple forums. Sanjay Gupta of Model Town III RWA stated: "This is DDA’s way of turning Delhi into a nightmare. We registered strong objections during public hearings. It appears the Centre is rushing to implement a policy that will only worsen traffic, pollution, and congestion."
The concerns raised by RWAs underscore a broader debate about urban planning and development in Delhi, with residents calling for more balanced and sustainable approaches to infrastructure growth.
