Delhi is set for a major academic and urban transformation with the approval of a ₹1,300 crore world-class education city in Narela, a flagship initiative aimed at positioning the national capital as a leading hub for higher education, innovation, and research.
The ambitious project will see new state-of-the-art campuses developed for Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and Delhi Technological University (DTU), significantly expanding Delhi’s higher-education infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Ashish Sood, Delhi’s Education Minister, who said the government is committed to transforming Narela into a major knowledge and innovation hub with national and global relevance.
Land Allotted for New University Campuses
According to official details:
- GGSIPU has been allotted 22.43 acres of land in Narela at a cost of ₹162.90 crore, paid to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
This will be the university’s third campus, after Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka.
- DTU has received 12.69 acres of land, with an allotment cost of ₹92.16 crore, marking a significant expansion of higher technical and teacher-education capacity in the capital.
Officials said the land allotments are part of a larger master plan to decentralise academic infrastructure and bring high-quality institutions closer to emerging urban zones.
Global-Standard Academic & Student Infrastructure
The proposed Narela Education City will feature:
- Smart and digital classrooms
- Advanced research and innovation centres
- Startup incubation and entrepreneurship labs
- Modern hostels and student housing
- Sports complexes and recreation facilities
Officials stated that the campuses will be designed to meet global academic and research standards, enabling Delhi to attract students not only from across India but also from abroad.
Budget Scaled Up to ₹1,300 Crore
Education Minister Ashish Sood revealed that the project’s budget has been scaled up from ₹500 crore to ₹1,300 crore, underlining the government’s long-term commitment to education infrastructure.
- Around ₹462 crore has already been released
- The remaining funds are expected to be disbursed within the current financial year
“This is not about temporary solutions but about building durable academic assets for the next several decades,” officials said.
Economic Push for Narela and North-West Delhi
Beyond academics, the education city is expected to act as a growth engine for Narela and surrounding regions, generating:
- Employment opportunities
- Improved civic and transport infrastructure
- Demand for housing, retail, and local services
- Growth in allied sectors such as research, ed-tech, and startups
Officials described the project as having a strong ripple effect on urban development and local livelihoods.
Towards Making Delhi India’s Education Capital
Reiterating the government’s broader vision, the education minister said the aim is to establish Delhi as the education capital of India, supported by modern campuses, robust research ecosystems, and globally competitive institutions.
The Narela education city, officials said, is a historic step in strengthening Delhi’s national and international academic identity—aligning education policy with urban planning, innovation, and employment generation.
News365 Times View:
With sustained funding, institutional autonomy, and integration with industry and innovation ecosystems, the Narela Education City could redefine how large Indian cities plan education-led urban growth.
