A township developed under Uttar Pradesh’s Integrated Township Scheme, has requested a five-year extension from the state government to complete the remaining civic works. The consortium recently presented its case to P Guru Prasad, the Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Planning department.
The Integrated Township Scheme, launched in 2005, had an initial deadline of 2022, after which the development project lapsed. Manoj Gaur, the director of Crossings Infrastructure Private Limited (CIPL), explained that only 280 acres of the intended 360 acres of land were acquired for the township, hindering full development. The lack of necessary land, particularly for the construction of key infrastructure such as drainage systems and EWS and LIG flats, is one of the primary challenges faced by the project. The developers are seeking a continuing land parcel of 7,000 to 7,800 square meters to complete the required works. This land would be used to construct essential amenities like drainage systems, as well as provide for schools, hospitals, parks, and residential units for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Lower Income Groups (LIG). CIPL proposed that this land be acquired in exchange for GMC land.
Crossings Republik is notable as the first township in the state developed under this scheme. The project had an advantage as CIPL owned 75% of the required land, allowing the township’s development plans to be approved. However, connectivity issues have plagued the township, affecting approximately 100,000 residents. Residents have expressed concerns about limited access to the township, with Shahberi Road being too narrow and congested, and NH9 being unsuitable for school buses due to its distance. Additionally, the alternative route via Richpal-Garhi village suffers from a narrow, poorly developed road prone to monsoon flooding. If the road were expanded, it could directly connect the township to Noida, relieving pressure on existing roads. Gaur mentioned that the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has initiated a land survey along Shahberi Road to widen it and alleviate the connectivity issues, which are a priority for the developers and residents alike. With the extension request, Crossings Republik developers aim to address these pending civic works and improve the overall living conditions in the township.
