Faridabad Epicentre of Next Commercial Boom

New Delhi, May 16, 2025: NCR is experiencing a retail renaissance with a visible shift in momentum towards peripheral cities.

As metro cities like Noida and Gurugram mature and saturate, developers are heading towards the emerging regions of NCR that showcase immense potential.

Among them, Faridabad is reinventing itself from an industrial satellite to a transforming commercial hub. Once dominated by factories and manufacturing units, the city is now making headlines for its growing consumer base, infrastructural push and vibrant retail developments signalling a major transformation.

Faridabad’s ascent on the development radar is powered by a robust infrastructure upgrade, growing industrial momentum and transformative urban initiatives. Central to this shift are connectivity game-changers like the FNG Expressway, which is expected to cut travel time to the Noida International Airport, Jewar, to just 20 minutes by this year, and metro network extensions that are simplifying daily commutes across NCR.

Global corporations, retail giants and a burgeoning talent pool are increasingly turning their attention to the city. Meanwhile, the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is poised to amplify real estate demand in Faridabad significantly due to new business opportunities and improved regional connectivity.

Simultaneously, urban rejuvenation efforts under the Smart City Mission, including upgraded roads, civic infrastructure and beautification drives, are redefining the cityscape, making Faridabad not just more accessible but also more attractive to consumers and retailers.

Faridabad’s retail narrative is redefined by notable developments that blend experience with commerce.

Leading the growth is development like World Street, by Omaxe, which has emerged as the epicentre of Faridabad’s retail revolution. Inspired by iconic streetscapes from Paris to Amsterdam, World Street has added allure to the city’s charm and set the stage for the city to be recognised as a destination of international standards.

“Faridabad has moved beyond its peripheral status to become a central player in NCR’s urban evolution,” says Mohit Goel, MD, Omaxe Group. “Fuelled by infrastructure megaprojects, expanded metro connectivity and its strategic proximity to the upcoming Noida International Airport, the city is rapidly transforming into a well-connected hub for business and modern living.”

The demographic shift is also “fuelled by a rising population of young working professionals, increased disposable incomes and a growing aspiration for better lifestyles, which is propelling the growth of lifestyle hubs that offer experiential value to their customers, encouraging brand recall and repeated visits”.

“Several brands and retailers are eyeing this high-potential region to mark their presence or expansion in NCR’s landscape. The strengthened interest of investors and brands is a testament to the city’s growing potential and appeal across key markets in NCR and beyond,” he adds.

Siddharth Katyal, CEO, Bhumika Group, says, “Long overshadowed by cities like Gurugram and Noida, Faridabad is now stepping into the spotlight as a strong contender for real estate growth within NCR.” The city is being driven by a confluence of favourable demographics, improving infrastructure and a rising appetite for organised, experience-led shopping, he adds.

“In particular, the Main Mathura Road stretch is emerging as a high-potential retail corridor thanks to its strategic connectivity, increasing footfall and proximity to industrial hubs and residential catchments.”

Faridabad’s shift towards integrated urban living is “further opening up opportunities for thoughtfully curated, mixed-use developments that blend retail, lifestyle, and community experiences. Hence, we are eyeing an expansion in the region through development that mirrors the city’s growth and offers a holistic space where people can shop, dine, work and engage in one vibrant ecosystem”.

The new wave of consumers is shaping the demand for modern retail experiences that go beyond transactional shopping. With a tech-savvy, brand-conscious population at its core, Faridabad presents an ideal environment for contemporary retail formats that are immersive, lifestyle-oriented and experience-driven.

“The retail interest in Faridabad has taken a major leap over the years. Investors who earlier looked at it as a peripheral play are now actively seeking high footfall zones, especially near Neharpar sectors,” says Sunny Katyal, Co founder, Investors Clinic. “Retail rentals are more accessible and yields are strong compared to overheated markets across NCR. Hence, the city is a classic case of underdog transformation, driven by consumer density, low saturation, and improved brand interest.”

Ankit Kansal, MD, 360 Realtors, says, “Retail brands are expanding beyond the conventional urban centres, and Faridabad has emerged as a logical choice in that orbit. Property prices have risen sharply in key neighbourhoods in Gurgaon, Delhi and even Noida.” He adds, “These necessitate the need for upcoming corridors. Faridabad, one of the oldest satellite towns of Delhi and well connected to other parts of NCR, is a natural choice. The city offers an optimal mix of cost efficiency and improved liveability. Leasing queries have doubled over time, and brands are especially bullish on F&B, fashion and apparel and convenience retail formats.”

Developers are finally offering organised, walkable and amenity-rich formats, which is a big shift. It is in tandem with improved lifestyle, evolving consumer preferences and a rising middle class. “Thus, Faridabad’s growth curve aligns perfectly with the new India retail story, which is vibrant, aspirational and diverse.”

Therefore, from being a largely industrial suburb to evolving into a thriving retail and lifestyle destination, Faridabad has shown how strategic infrastructure, demographic vibrancy and developer vision can unlock immense potential.

With landmark projects, improved connectivity and a surge in demand for mixed-use and experiential retail formats, Faridabad is no longer a hidden gem; it is fast becoming the focal point of NCR’s next commercial boom.