Beyond the Taj: New Agra to house golf course, sports village and theme park in sweeping master plan

In a major push to transform Agra into a multi-dimensional urban destination beyond its iconic monument, a new master plan for New Agra Urban Centre has been unveiled, with ambitious proposals including a 100-hectare international-standard golf course, a sports village, a theme park and a redeveloped riverfront. The entire project spans 9,000 hectares and will be developed in four phases till 2041.

According to TOI, the New Agra city plan envisions a sustainable, tourism-led growth model that will also host industrial, residential and commercial zones. Officials have confirmed that the draft master plan is being finalised after consultations with stakeholders, including local residents, urban planners and environmental experts.

Located just 16 kilometres from the Taj Mahal, New Agra is set to become a magnet for sports tourism with the creation of a sprawling sports village and a world-class golf course, each spread over 100 hectares. TOI reports that the area is being positioned to host major sporting events and attract international visitors.

A central attraction will be a massive theme park inspired by global entertainment destinations like Disneyland and Universal Studios, which officials say will boost the region’s tourism economy. The plan also includes a redeveloped riverfront zone featuring boating facilities, landscaped walkways, open-air cultural venues and expansive public parks designed to enhance both tourism and quality of life for residents, TOI reported.

In keeping with sustainability goals, the city will integrate green and renewable energy initiatives. A 320-hectare solar park is projected to generate 256 MW of clean energy, while two large water reservoirs, spread over 94 and 180 hectares respectively, will ensure steady water supply and support local ecosystems.

To balance development with ecological preservation, the plan designates 823 hectares as a buffer zone along the Yamuna River, alongside 485 hectares of green belts and 434 hectares reserved for forests and agriculture.

As per TOI, the first phase of development (2025–2029) will concentrate on creating the tourism district with riverfront access and expansive green spaces, along with residential zones. Parallelly, commercial and industrial clusters are planned along both flanks of the Yamuna Expressway.

The vision for New Agra takes cues from the Chandigarh model, incorporating architect Le Corbusier’s ‘7Vs’ concept to ensure smooth vehicular movement and decongested roads, while maintaining a walkable and accessible layout.

TOI cited officials as saying that the framework, titled Vision 2041, rests on four strategic pillars - industry, tourism, sustainability and transport. While the industrial and logistics sectors are expected to drive job creation and economic growth, tourism and cultural offerings are aimed at positioning Agra as a global destination that extends beyond its Mughal heritage.

The final version of the master plan will be prepared under the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) guidelines, which govern environmentally sensitive development near heritage structures. Once approved by the relevant authority, the project will enter the land acquisition stage. The Mathura regional office has already begun groundwork and initial coordination.