Road Width and Its Role in Floor Construction in Delhi

When planning to build or expand a home in Delhi, one factor that residents often overlook is road width. It may seem like a minor detail, but road width is actually a key determinant of how many floors you can legally construct in unauthorised and regularised colonies.

Why Road Width Matters

Delhi’s building bylaws link floor eligibility to the width of the road in front of your property. The rationale is straightforward: wider roads can handle taller buildings, ensuring that emergency vehicles, traffic, and civic services can move safely. Narrow roads, on the other hand, restrict the height of constructions to avoid congestion and safety hazards.

For example:

• Roads less than 6 meters wide usually allow up to two floors.
• Roads between 6 to 9 meters wide may permit three floors.
• Roads wider than 9 meters can allow four or more floors, depending on the plot size and colony regulations.

Impact on Legal Registration

The road width not only determines floor eligibility but also affects registry and legal recognition. If you build extra floors on a narrow road without permission, you risk:

Demolition notices from authorities

No floor-wise registry, limiting your ability to sell or mortgage that floor

Loan restrictions, as banks often refuse mortgages for illegal floors

Tips for Residents

Measure the road width accurately in front of your property. Local SDMC offices can provide official records.

Check DDA notifications and building bylaws for maximum permissible floors.

Consult a property lawyer or architect before constructing additional floors.

Consider regularisation under schemes like PM-UDAY if your colony is eligible, this can sometimes increase allowable floors.

Road width is not just a number on a map; it directly affects how high you can build, registry eligibility, and legal compliance. By understanding these rules, Delhi residents can plan their homes safely, avoid fines, and protect their investment while expanding vertically.