Lucknow/Noida: The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled the draft Unified Regulations for Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs), 2026, proposing sweeping reforms to standardise building norms across major industrial regions, including Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority.
The draft framework aims to eliminate regulatory inconsistencies and simplify procedures related to map approvals, plot amalgamation, covered area, fire safety, road widths, and building heights. The government has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders before finalising the rules.
Uniform Rules Across Industrial Authorities
The proposed regulations will apply to key bodies such as Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority, YEIDA, Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority and Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority, along with other existing and future industrial authorities.
According to Hindustan Time, Officials said the move is aimed at ending confusion caused by differing regulations across agencies and ensuring a single, transparent framework for governance and development.
1. FAR Linked to Road Width, Higher Density Allowed
A major reform in the draft is the restructuring of Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which determines how much construction is permitted on a plot.
Currently, FAR varies widely—ranging from 0.6–2 for industrial plots, 2.75–3.5 for group housing, 0.8–2.75 for institutional projects, and 1.2–4 for commercial developments.
Under the new proposal, FAR will be increased and directly linked to road width, allowing higher-density development along wider roads. This is expected to encourage vertical growth and better land utilisation.
2. Setback Norms Relaxed, More Usable Land
The draft proposes significant relaxation in setback requirements—the minimum distance between a building and plot boundaries or roads.
Industrial plots that earlier required setbacks of up to 16 metres may now see this reduced to 3–9 metres. For group housing, setbacks are proposed to be standardised at 9 metres in the front and 6 metres on other sides.
This change is expected to free up more usable land while maintaining essential open spaces.
3. Ground Coverage and Parking Norms Eased
Ground coverage norms are being rationalised to allow more efficient land use. Earlier, group housing projects had coverage of 35–40%, while industrial plots ranged from 35–60%.
Parking requirements are also proposed to be eased:
- Commercial projects: 1 slot per 50–500 sq m (earlier 30–100 sq m)
- Residential: 1 to 1.5 slots per unit
- Industrial: 1 slot per 300 sq m
This flexibility is expected to improve project feasibility and reduce compliance burdens.
4. Landscaping Norms Reduced, Height Limits Removed
The draft rules propose reducing mandatory green area requirements from 25–50% to 5–10%, with greenery to be ensured at the layout level through tree plantation.
Additionally, existing building height restrictions of 10–24 metres will be removed, except in areas governed by aviation safety or heritage norms.
This is likely to further promote vertical development across urban centres.
5. Public Feedback Window Open Till May 3
The draft regulations have been uploaded on the Noida Authority portal, and stakeholders can submit objections or suggestions within 15 days, until May 3.
Submissions can be made in person at the Sector 6 office between 10 am and 5 pm or via official communication channels. Once feedback is reviewed, the final regulations will be notified.
Industry and Resident Reactions
Real estate experts have largely welcomed the proposed reforms.
Dinesh Gupta, President of CREDAI West UP, said the changes—especially higher FAR and reduced setbacks—reflect urban realities such as shrinking land availability and are likely to boost vertical development.
Suresh Garg, CMD of Nirala World, termed the draft a “significant step toward planned, infrastructure-led urbanisation,” adding that linking FAR to road width would create a more transparent and efficient framework.
However, concerns have also been raised. Rajiva Singh, President of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Associations, cautioned that infrastructure such as sewage, power, and water must be upgraded alongside higher-density projects.
He stressed that increased construction should not compromise green spaces, ventilation, and overall quality of life.
Push Towards Planned Urban Growth
The draft Unified IDA Rules 2026 signal a major shift in Uttar Pradesh’s urban planning strategy, aiming to balance ease of doing business with sustainable development.
If implemented effectively, the reforms could reshape the real estate landscape of Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA, driving investment, boosting housing supply, and promoting more efficient land use in rapidly growing urban regions.
