The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Monday approved its transit-oriented development (TOD) policy which is focused on development taking place around a transit corridor. The decision was taken in the urban body's Authority meeting at Raj Niwas here chaired by Lt Governor Anil Baijal, also chairman of the DDA.

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Transit-oriented development approved

TOD consists of a variety of high-density, mixed-use, mixed-income buildings, within a short distance of a rapid public transport network, set in a public realm that encourages more people to use public transport. 

The Authority approved the TOD policy which is focused on development around or along with a transit node or corridor, and facilitates complete ease of access to that transit facility, thereby inducing people to walk, cycle and use public transportation over personal modes of transport, the DDA said in a statement. 

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After approval, the proposal shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for its approval and notification.

Benefits of Transit-oriented development

Benefits of TOD include compact mixed-use, mixed-income developments where residential, commercial, civic or institutional establishments are located close to each other and allow local communities to be formed, with vibrant round-the-clock active spaces (like plazas, shared parks, and open spaces, and other facilities) for leisure and recreation. 

Through increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and density, TOD norms may provide a variety of housing types for a range of income brackets and demographic types in the city, the DDA said. 

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To facilitate this, in all TOD integrated schemes, a minimum component of 30 per cent of overall FAR shall be mandatory for Residential use. EWS FAR of 15 per cent over and above the proposed FAR will be applicable, the urban body said. 

"TOD policy would open up development opportunity to the private sector to bring in investment into the city building, its growth and revenue, and also help cross-subsidize social amenities, affordable housing and public transport, using a variety of possible financial development models," it said.

Among other decisions, the Authority also approved the change of land use from 36.6 hectares in district centre Narela from commercial to public and semi-public (PSP), officials said. 

Out of 36.6 hectares, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW) will be allotted 20 hectares of land and the remaining land is proposed for colleges or institutions, the DDA said.

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