NEW DELHI: The Centre notified the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy under the Master Plan for Delhi-2021, paving the way for higher-density, mixed-use development around metro corridors and major transit hubs in the national capital this year. The notification, issued by the ministry of housing and urban affairs under the Delhi Development Act, 1957, follows a public consultation launched in November 2025 and approval by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).The policy seeks to promote compact, transit-linked urban development by leveraging existing and upcoming public transport infrastructure. It will apply within a 500-metre-wide corridor on either side of the centreline of existing and planned metro corridors, and within a 500-metre radius of regional and interstate mass transit stations, including RRTS, railway stations and high-speed rail hubs.Only plots measuring at least 2,000 sq. metres, having the required road access and meeting other eligibility conditions can opt into the policy. However, environmentally protected areas, Zone ‘O’, green belt villages, heritage precincts, the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone, Civil Lines bungalow area and defence/cantonment areas have been kept outside its ambit.A key feature of the policy is the increase in the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Developers can avail a base FAR of 400 on payment of TOD charges, which can be increased to a maximum of 500 by paying additional charges. Participation in the TOD framework is voluntary, and landowners who choose not to opt in can continue to develop their properties under the existing provisions of the Master Plan.The notified regulations require participating developments to maintain a prescribed land-use mix. At least 65 per cent of the permissible FAR must be used for smaller residential units, 10 per cent for neighbourhood commercial uses and community amenities, while the remaining 25 per cent may be used for larger residential units or office space. Ground coverage has been capped at 40 per cent, with mandatory green spaces and revised parking norms, including one equivalent car space per 100 sq. metres of FAR and public parking provisions for larger projects.The DDA will serve as the nodal agency for implementation. A dedicated TOD Committee will evaluate projects, while a TOD Fund will finance area improvements. Applications will be processed through the DDA’s Online Building Permit System, with the notified framework providing a 60-day timeline for approvals.The policy also provides that areas around future metro and regional transit corridors will become eligible for TOD once such infrastructure is planned or approved, allowing the TOD network to expand alongside Delhi’s public transport system.