The state of Haryana reportedly announced plans to construct what is touted to be India’s tallest building, positioned as the defining landmark of its flagship Global City project. This large-scale integrated urban development is being planned across 1,000 acres along the Dwarka Expressway on the outskirts of Gurugram. As of now, the initiative remains in its early stages, with the project at the proposal and Request for Proposal (RFP) phase. According to state cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh, the bidding process is yet to be formally initiated, and no developer has been selected. Here is a detailed report on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Creating a benchmark
The proposed tower is being conceived as a mixed-use landmark, and is intended to surpass every existing high-rise structure in the country. Its programme includes premium office spaces, global corporate headquarters, hospitality facilities, observation decks and publicly accessible spaces. Beyond its commercial function, the building is envisioned as a powerful symbol of Haryana’s economic aspirations and urban ambitions, designed to hold its own against celebrated international skylines such as those of Singapore, Dubai and prominent European cities.
According to Singh, the concept of the tallest building is not merely an architectural gesture but a strategic component of positioning Global City as a globally recognised destination. Upon completion, it is expected to emerge as a leading financial and innovation hub within the NCR, with the iconic tower serving as both its visual centrepiece and economic anchor. According to planning documents, the development is reportedly designed to support a permanent residential population of approximately 1.8 lakh people, with an additional floating population of around 5.2 lakh, driven by the scale of employment and business activity expected to be generated within the city.
Sustainability at its best
The project’s mobility framework has been reportedly carefully designed around sustainability and human-centric principles. Internal transportation will be facilitated through a Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system, electric bus services, dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks, reducing dependence on private vehicles.
A core planning principle behind Global City is the 15 minute city concept, wherein residents and workers can access virtually all daily necessities within a short walk. Schools, colleges, multi-speciality hospitals, office complexes, retail destinations, bus depots, fuel stations, EV charging points, fire stations, exhibition and convention centres, and a multi-sports complex will all be integrated within this radius. Environmental sustainability is equally central to the master plan, with over 56 per cent of the total project area earmarked as open and green space. More than 1 lakh trees will be planted across the development. Officials have indicated that these measures are projected to reduce surface water runoff by 55 per cent compared to conventionally dense urban environments and lower local ambient temperatures by as much as 5 degrees Celsius, thus effectively creating a sustainable micro-climate and functioning as a significant carbon sink.
The physical design of the city reinforces this green ethos through the incorporation of green corridors, landscaped streets, grass pavers and designated no-vehicle zones. All buildings within the development will be aligned to internationally recognised sustainability certifications, including LEED, GRIHA and IGBC standards. The energy strategy embedded in the master plan includes solar-panel-shaded parking structures, solar-powered street lighting, rooftop photovoltaic systems, smart metering infrastructure and bio-waste reuse mechanisms.
With an overall Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.0 and a total built-up area exceeding 120 lakh sqm, the project is reported to attract investments of nearly Rs 10 lakh crore. It is anticipated to generate upwards of 5.2 lakh jobs, attract more than 200 multinational corporations and deliver a threefold economic value addition through multiplier effects across associated industries. Officials further estimate that the project could also boost Gurugram’s IT and ITeS export revenues by close to 30 per cent. Reports suggest, trunk infrastructure work for Phase 1 is already underway, with approximately 20 per cent of that work reported to be complete.
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