The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has proposed four infrastructure projects with a combined cost of Rs 1,580 crore for funding under the Urban Challenge Fund. This newly launched scheme is designed to attract private capital for urban redevelopment. The proposals were presented during a meeting with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Saturday.
Projects Proposed by GDA
The GDA vice-chairperson presented the proposals to ministry officials. The projects include:
- Redevelopment of Tulsi Niketan housing complex: Rs 600 crore
- 2-km flyover at Choudhary Mod on GT Road: Rs 200 crore
- Multi-level parking facility at Rajnagar District Centre: Rs 100 crore
- International cricket stadium in partnership with Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association: Rs 680 crore
Urban Challenge Fund
The Urban Challenge Fund was launched in April 2026 to boost urban infrastructure investment through market-linked financing. Under this scheme, the central government covers 25% of project costs, while 50% must be raised through market instruments such as municipal bonds, bank loans, or public-private partnerships. States, urban local bodies, or other sources contribute the remaining amount.
Why Ghaziabad?
A GDA official stated, "Ghaziabad, as a fast-growing NCR city, makes a fit case for inclusion." The city's rapid growth and infrastructure needs make it a suitable candidate for the fund.
Tulsi Niketan Redevelopment
The Tulsi Niketan complex, developed by GDA on 7.8 hectares in the 1990s, includes 220 LIG flats, 2,004 EWS flats, and 60 shops. Over three decades, its condition has deteriorated significantly. The GDA board has already approved its redevelopment under the Urban Redevelopment Policy 2026, a framework to address unsafe and crumbling structures.
Flyover at Choudhary Mod
The proposed flyover targets the Choudhary Mod intersection, identified by the Central Road Research Institute as one of the busiest tri-junctions in the city. Located on GT Road near Chaudhary Cinema and a temple, this junction has long been flagged for congestion. A GDA official noted, "Various plans were discussed in the past to decongest the stretch but never got off the ground due to funding or logistics constraints."
Multi-Level Parking at Rajnagar
At Rajnagar District Centre, the commercial hub of the district, a multi-level parking facility has been a long-pending demand due to acute parking shortages.
GDA officials are awaiting a formal response from the ministry.
