At present, only 50 per cent basement coverage was allowed in residential areas. The board also decided that in individual residential properties the basement wall would have to be at a minimum distance of two me ters from the neighbour's wall. "This will ensure that the adjacent building is not affected in case of construction at basement," said a official.

"The Board has approved 100 per cent basement coverage in residential areas subject to the terms and condition of National Building Code," said Mohinder Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Noida.

Briefing reporters after the meeting Singh said the trial run of the Noida stretch of the metro rail is likely to start in March 2009.

Besides, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority Board approved the proposal to set up a laser entertainment centre on a 50 acre land along Yamuna Expressway (earlier it was called Taj Expressway). The Board also approved appointment of consultants for the night safari project. Officials said the project would be completed in 3 years.

The Master Plan for Yamuna Expressway was also approved after some amendments. The proposed Taj Expressway connecting Greater Noida to Agra was recently renamed Yamuna Expressway .

When asked about progress of Metro rail project,Singh,said,"Trial run of Metro rail is expected to be done in March 2009."