Delhi 9.0: Liberalized Renaissance

Historically, Delhi has evolved through seven distinct cities. Post-independence, the Delhi Development Authority initiated the development of the city's eighth iteration. Today, we envision the emergence of "Delhi 9.0"—a progressive urban transformation guided by liberalized land controls. This vision promotes a greener, more sustainable city, even as urbanization intensifies. Innovative regulatory frameworks and an enhanced transportation network are central to this evolution, ensuring that development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Delhi 9.0 represents a forward-looking approach to urban growth, blending modern infrastructure with ecological responsibility.

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A brief history of Delhi

DDA planned Delhi post independence

By 2041, Delhi’s population is projected to reach 3.2 crore, intensifying challenges like high AQI and rising pollution levels.

Despite extreme land demand, 34% of DDA land remains under agriculture. Housing remains among the most expensive in India, while green zonation limits land value capture in key areas.

With emerging job centers in Gurgaon, Faridabad, and beyond, strengthening the transportation network is crucial for seamless regional connectivity.

Green Plot Ratio (GPR) offers an innovative alternative to FAR, ensuring greenery grows with built-up space—regulating only height relative to ROW and incentivizing affordable housing and heritage redevelopment.

ChatGPT said: Every masterplan comprises multiple layers—our case study of the Kigali Masterplan helped uncover these. Additionally, a walkable road grid was designed for Delhi’s greenfield areas to enhance connectivity.

The final liberalized Development Plan map of Delhi features four simplified zones—Heritage, Eco Sink, Industrial, and White. Designed to meet current urban needs, it introduces GPR in White Zones and heritage credits in Heritage Zones, promoting redevelopment with minimal regulations.