The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) will directly take up the development of residential and commercial clusters in the ambitious Heritage City project proposed at Raya near Mathura-Vrindavan, instead of handing it entirely to a private developer as planned earlier.
The decision marks a significant shift in the project’s execution strategy, with YEIDA opting for a hybrid model that combines government-led and public-private partnership (PPP) approaches. The change follows a series of financial and operational reviews which suggested that a fully PPP-based model could face challenges in cost recovery, especially as the Authority itself will be responsible for land acquisition.
The ₹7,200-crore project, located within the proposed Raya Urban Centre, spans around 753 acres and aims to develop a heritage-themed township inspired by the cultural and spiritual legacy of Lord Krishna’s Braj region. The plan includes residential and commercial sectors, along with a range of tourism, wellness, and cultural amenities designed to attract both pilgrims and visitors from across the country.
The Heritage City will feature a 30-kilometre-long Yamuna riverfront, which will serve as a scenic and recreational stretch integrated with the township’s layout. A 100-foot-tall statue of Lord Krishna, situated at the centre of a grand temple complex, will act as the focal point of the development. The project also envisions wellness and yoga centres, hotels, convention spaces, artisan markets, and cultural parks, reflecting the art, architecture, and traditions of the Braj circuit.
Initially, YEIDA had proposed the Heritage City to be executed on the lines of the Film City project, where a single private developer would oversee planning, construction, and management over a 10-year period. However, the Authority later revised the concept after assessing potential financial risks and long-term feasibility. Under the new model, YEIDA will now develop the residential and commercial segments, while religious, tourism, and cultural infrastructure will be created through PPP partnerships.
“Some changes have been made in the Heritage City plan. The Authority will develop part of the project, while other components will be taken up through the PPP model,” said RK Singh, CEO, YEIDA. “The proposal, the consultant’s assessment report, and the revised alignment of an expressway linking Heritage City to Vrindavan will be discussed in the Authority’s board meeting scheduled for November.”
To improve accessibility and strengthen regional connectivity, YEIDA has also planned a 7-kilometre expressway linking the Heritage City site with Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple. Originally designed with a curved alignment, the proposed road has now been straightened to avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas. The change was prompted after incidents of waterlogging and flooding in certain parts of the project site during the last monsoon.
YEIDA has instructed CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd, the consultant that prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR), to carry out a comprehensive flood-impact and risk assessment before finalising the new alignment. This precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and safety of the infrastructure, particularly given the site’s proximity to the Yamuna floodplain.
The Heritage City is being positioned as a flagship cultural and tourism hub within the Braj pilgrim circuit, integrating spiritual heritage with modern urban design. Once completed, it is expected to boost religious tourism in the Mathura-Vrindavan region, generate employment opportunities, and encourage investment in hospitality and allied sectors.
The project aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader vision of developing the Yamuna Expressway corridor into a high-potential zone for industrial, residential, and tourism growth, linking destinations like Noida, Greater Noida, and Agra through a network of planned urban centres.
YEIDA officials said that once board approvals are secured, land acquisition and initial infrastructure works will begin, followed by phased development of residential plots and cultural zones. With its blend of traditional aesthetics and modern urban amenities, Heritage City is expected to become a landmark project symbolising the fusion of heritage, spirituality, and sustainable development in the state.
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