UP govt to launch FASTPAS for streamlining building-plan approval

The UP government is set to launch a new system called FASTPAS, which stands for Fast and Simplified Trust-Based Plan Approval System. This innovative system is being introduced to streamline the process for builders to secure approvals for architectural plans, maps and layouts of buildings and townships. The procedure to shortlist suitable agencies has commenced and the bid document was floated on September 26, 2023. FASTPAS will serve as a unified platform through which both internal and external agencies can obtain no-objection certificates (NOCs) and clearances efficiently. This new system will include essential elements such as a GIS master plan, zonal plan, logistics plan, title ownership, transit-oriented zones, mobility plan, etc.

FASTPAS is being launched to address the challenges posed by the existing online building plan approval system (OBPAS), which does not cover the new concepts and tools introduced by the state government to promote urbanisation. Through the FASTPAS, builders will be able to facilitate land use change, buy additional floor area ratio (FAR) and avail compensatory FAR, among other options.

Another reason behind launching FASTPAS is that the existing OBPAS, introduced in 2019, was developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model with a private IT company. Consequently, the housing department did not have complete ownership of the data. For the FASTPAS, the source code, along with dynamic link library (DLL), will be taken from the company and the collected data will be under the sole ownership of the housing department.

During FY23, 15,587 building plans were approved across the 29 housing development authorities and UP housing boards. FASTPAS is expected to significantly increase the number of plan approvals. Instead of employing a one-size-fits-all approach for commercial, residential, office, institutional and other property types, FASTPAS will develop a distinctive inspection system tailored to assess the architectural designs of different segments. Additionally, the housing department will request architects to provide a commitment that the details they submit adhere to relevant laws and regulations.