DDA Opens Applications Under New TOD Policy to Boost Affordable Housing Near Delhi Metro
The Delhi Development Authority has launched applications under its revised TOD policy, aiming to expand affordable housing, simplify project approvals, and promote transit-oriented development across Delhi.
- TOD policy now covers 207 sq km across Metro, RRTS, and railway corridors.
- Single-window online approval system introduced for developers.
- Affordable housing to receive priority with mandatory residential allocation.
New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has started accepting applications from developers under its revised Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy, marking a major step toward expanding affordable housing near Delhi Metro, RRTS, and railway corridors. The applications can now be submitted through DDA’s Online Building Permit System (OBPS). The move is expected to encourage planned urban development while making homes more accessible in well-connected areas of the capital.
The revised policy significantly expands the TOD coverage to 207 square kilometres, including nearly 80 square kilometres that have been brought under the policy for the first time. Besides Metro and railway corridors, the policy also includes land pooling areas, low-density residential zones, and several unauthorised colonies.
By allowing development on plots as small as 2,000 square metres, DDA aims to unlock more land for residential projects and improve housing supply near public transport.
According to DDA, one of the biggest changes under the revised policy is the introduction of a single-window online clearance system. Instead of obtaining approvals separately from agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board, and the Fire Department, developers will now receive approvals through a unified platform.
Various charges, including those for water, sewerage, land-use change, and additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), will be combined into a single TOD charge. The TOD Committee, chaired by the DDA Vice Chairman, will review and approve projects within a defined timeline to improve transparency and ease of doing business.
The policy also places a strong focus on affordable housing. Of the total permissible FAR, 65% must be used for residential development, with priority given to apartments measuring less than 100 square metres. Another 10% of the development area has been reserved for shops, community facilities, and essential civic infrastructure, while the remaining 25% can be used for larger homes, office spaces, studio apartments, or guest houses.
For eligible plots located on roads at least 18 metres wide, developers can avail a maximum FAR of 500, enabling higher-density development.
Going forward, the revised TOD policy will apply to both existing and upcoming Metro, RRTS, and railway corridors. DDA also plans to improve pedestrian connectivity by developing underground and elevated walkways linking TOD projects directly to transit stations.
Developers interested in participating can submit applications through the OBPS portal, while detailed guidelines and policy information are available on DDA’s dedicated TOD microsite.
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