The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) announced its approval of the detailed project report (DPR) for the Heritage City project, slated to be established along the Expressway. It was stated that YEIDA would subsequently prepare the bid document, outlining the terms under which developers would be invited to participate in the project.
The Heritage City project, envisioned to cater to Hindu devotees frequenting the Banke Bihari temple in the Vrindavan area of Mathura, was stated to commence near the 101 km milestone of the Yamuna Expressway and culminate at the Banke Bihari temple. A 6.9-km-long expressway, 100 meters wide, was proposed to be constructed to link the two points. Initially, the expressway was planned to have four lanes, with provisions for expansion to six lanes in the future.
As per the DPR, the project's estimated budget was disclosed to be Rs 60 billion. It was detailed to encompass various amenities such as a parking zone spanning 46 acres, a convention centre covering 42 acres, a yoga centre, and designated green zones. Additionally, plans were outlined for the renovation of ancient historic areas and the provision of housing for widows and ascetics, among other facilities. Acquisition of land from 12 villages situated between the Yamuna Expressway and the Yamuna River was indicated as necessary for the Heritage City project.
Under Phase-I of the project, YEIDA was set to develop 753 acre out of the total 2,965.2 acres, with an allocated budget of Rs 12 billion. The scope of work would involve the restoration of natural water bodies, among other tasks. Furthermore, it was mentioned that the Public Works Department (PWD) would undertake the construction of an additional bridge across the Yamuna to enhance connectivity for visitors, facilitating parking in Heritage City and travel to key temples.
