Mathura, Jan 25 (IANS): Mathura district is likely to be included in the National Capital Region soon, said Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority Vice-Chairman Nagendra Pratap Singh after attending a meeting in Delhi.

Singh said that he had presented all the details pertaining to the matter at the meeting, which was attended by officials of six other districts as well. Since Mathura was advantageously located between Agra and Delhi, the potential for development as an important pilgrimage and tourism centre was immense. Bharatpur was already part of the NCR. Mathura has a strong case for inclusion in the NCR.

"Once a part of the NCR, the district would benefit in many ways, with better and more coordinated urban development and more funds."

Mathura is one-and-a-half-hour's drive from Delhi, with the opening of the Yamuna Expressway. The NDA government has included it among the heritage cities which will receive more central assistance for infrastructural development.

BJP national secretary Sri Kant Sharma told media persons here that once Mathura was included in the NCR it would be possible to extend the Metro service beyond Palwal.

The Modi government has assured an assistance package for Mathura-Vrindavan and has plans to implement a comprehensive heritage development plan for the district.

The World Bank's pro-poor tourism promotion team will be visiting Mathura next week to finalise plans for integrating local artisans, craftsmen and tiny units with marketing outlets. A Mathura Haat would also be started soon.