Namo Bharat corridor in Meerut to unlock real estate potential with transit-led Growth
Meerut leads India in implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones, integrating them into its 2031 Master Plan. This initiative combines urban development with transit projects, creating potential real estate prospects in the area.
The
Meerut Development Authority
(MEDA) has allocated 3,273 hectares for TOD, with 2,442 hectares divided into seven TOD zones and two special development area (SDA) zones along the Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro routes.
"While the majority of the land is privately held and we will earn revenue through FSI, we are also planning a 300-hectare township where we will auction land to private developers," Vijay Kumar Singh, town planner at MEDA told ET. "We are doing the zonal planning in consultation with
NCRTC
."
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is constructing India's inaugural
Namo Bharat corridor
connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. This represents India's first
Regional Rapid Transit System
(RRTS) train service.
"By harnessing the potential of transit-oriented development and value capture financing, NCRTC is enhancing the financial sustainability of the Namo Bharat project," said Shalabh Goel, managing director, NCRTC said according to the report. "This integrated approach is poised to redefine the future of transportation infrastructure, fostering vibrant, liveable communities and generating economic value that benefits both the region and its residents."
The SDA zones comprise 458 hectares in Meerut South and 373 hectares in Modipuram, situated at opposite ends of the Meerut metro section.
Uttar Pradesh established its TOD policy in 2022. International cities including Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo have effectively utilised TOD to support public transport and improve urban planning, resulting in enhanced economic productivity and living standards.
The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor spans 82 km, with 68 km in Ghaziabad and Meerut districts. The infrastructure will additionally support local metro services in Meerut.
The 2017 National Metro Rail Policy emphasised viewing urban mass transit projects as transformation initiatives rather than mere transport projects. It required states to explore various revenue options for long-term financial viability.
The housing and urban development ministry introduced value capture financing policy, enabling states and union territories to utilise their assets, including unused land, for infrastructure development.
According to UP's TOD policy, areas within 500 metres of city mass transit systems and 1.5 kilometres alongside intercity transit systems like Namo Bharat constitute TOD zones. These zones permit taller, mixed-use developments including residential, commercial, and office spaces with public facilities. The base floor area ratio will increase from 2.5 to 4 in developed areas and 5 in undeveloped areas.
Ghaziabad has identified its TOD zones and included them in its master plan, awaiting state government approval for implementation.
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