Lucknow Development Authority: LDA clears Rs 5,148cr budget with focus on affordable housing, new schemes | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has approved a budget of Rs 5,148 crore for 2026-27 that will mainly focus on affordable housing, new townships and boost basic infrastructure.The decision was taken at the authority’s 187th board meeting on Friday, chaired by divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. As part of the plan, Rs 200 crore has been set aside to build 848 flats in Sharda Nagar Extension. The project will include four 12-storey towers, with one-and two-bedroom units, along with facilities such as water supply, electricity, parking, lifts, parks and a play area. Officials said the move follows directions from chief minister Yogi Adityanath to expand affordable housing. LDA vice-chairperson Prathmesh Kumar said the budget prioritises housing and infrastructure, including land acquisition, ongoing schemes and completion of projects. The authority has approved Rs 1,600 crore for land acquisition in areas such as IT City, Wellness City, Naimish Nagar and Varun Vihar. Another Rs 1,298 crore will be spent on developing and maintaining housing schemes while Rs 200 crore has been allocated for infrastructure. The Green Corridor project will receive Rs 400 crore and Rs 60 crore has been set aside for parks and their upkeep. Funds have also been earmarked under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0. The board also approved measures to act against illegal construction, with Rs 2 crore allocated for machinery. In Gomti Nagar Extension, land near Saraswati Apartment will be converted into a community centre. The width of a proposed road in Sector-6 has been reduced, with surplus land to be used for housing and commercial purposes. Flat prices in Parijat and Panchsheel apartments will remain unchanged for one year. The board approved new building by-laws for certain properties and cleared layout changes in several schemes, including CG City, Aishbagh and Rifah-e-Aam. Families affected by the Anant Nagar housing scheme will be offered alternative housing in Atal Nagar, subject to eligibility. Other approvals include permissions related to a hi-tech township project and revisions to map approval fees, along with the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Redevelopment Policy 2026. Map approval fees up by 3% LDA has increased map approval fees by 3% which will come into effect on April 1. According to LDA officials, a hike was proposed in view of the rising cost index. The increase will directly impact individuals and builders seeking approval for residential and commercial construction. Key components such as development charges, inspection and permission fees are set to be revised upwards.