Krishna's New Horizon: YEIDA's Heritage City to Rise in Raya

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) is set to develop the Heritage City in Raya, Mathura, under a hybrid development model, pending board approval.

Spread across 11,653 hectares, the proposed Raya Urban Centre will celebrate the cultural, religious, and tourism heritage of the Braj region, drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna’s legacy. The project aims to serve the thousands of pilgrims visiting Mathura and Vrindavan daily by enhancing travel convenience, amenities, and overall visitor experience.

Under the proposed structure, public-private partnerships (PPP) will be leveraged for developing religious and tourism components, while YEIDA will oversee the residential and commercial zones. Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, the Heritage City will also feature modern urban infrastructure, a dedicated parking hub, and improved traffic management. A detailed proposal is expected to be presented to YEIDA’s board for approval in early November.

Key planned components include a 350-acre Heritage Centre, 103-acre Wellness Zone, 97-acre Green Park, 46-acre Tourist Transit Facility, 42-acre Convention Centre, and a 35-acre Ayurveda Hub. The city will also include hotels, serviced apartments, and senior living spaces. Situated outside flood-prone areas, the development is designed to position Mathura as a global hub for religious tourism, cultural heritage, and wellness, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural identity of the Braj region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.