Vibha SharmaNew Delhi: Several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have voiced concern over the chaos they fear may arise with the implementation of the new Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy.The policy permits mixed-use development on plots along metro corridors and within a 500-metre radius of RRTS stations and railway lines, irrespective of plot size or existing land use.While it mandates that 65% of the plot area be reserved for residential purposes, residents remain sceptical about strict adherence to these norms. Members of the Save Our City campaign pointed out that the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021, introduced the concept of mixed land use, which, they claim, has effectively turned the city into a non-stop marketplace.They alleged that Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has not conducted any comprehensive field survey or audit for decade to assess the impact of this policy shift.“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 24×7 vehicular emissions but also prevents dust from settling, resulting in persistently high AQI levels,” said Rajiv Kakria, convener of the campaign.The group said it has submitted its objections and suggestions in 2019 and Nov 2025. Despite assurances from authorities, they allege their concerns have not been addressed.Citing an example, residents highlighted Greater Kailash-I (GK-I), which is surrounded by multiple metro lines—Pink Line to the north, Magenta Line to the south, Violet Line to the east, and the proposed Red Line extension to the west—bringing nearly 85% of the neighbourhood under the TOD policy’s ambit.“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,” Kakria added.Residents further argued that the changes disregard provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act. “Sections 311, 312 and 314 of 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,” Kakria said.RWAs also questioned permitting 500 FAR in 2000 sqm in the landlocked city despite consistent opposition at multiple forums. “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,” said Sanjay Gupta of Model Town III RWA.
