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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Transit oriented development in Meerut to unlock real estate on Namo Bharat corridor
Meerut has become the first city in India to integrate Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones into its 2031 Master Plan. This would incorporate urban development around a transit project, potentially unlocking new real estate opportunities in the region. Meerut Development Authority (MEDA) has earmarked about 3,273 hectares for the TOD, out of which 2,442 hectares have been delineated into seven TOD zones and two special development area (SDA) zones around the Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro corridors. '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,' said Vijay Kumar Singh, town planner at MEDA. 'We are doing the zonal planning in consultation with NCRTC.' National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is implementing India's first Namo Bharat corridor between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. Namo Bharat is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train service with the first being the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut project. '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. '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 two SDA zones—458 hectares as Meerut South SDA Zone and 373 hectares as Modipuram SDA Zone—are located on two ends of the Meerut metro section of the corridor. The Uttar Pradesh government formulated its TOD policy in 2022. Globally, cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo have successfully used TOD to fund public transportation and enhance urban planning. It has, in turn, improved economic productivity and quality of life for people in these cities. Out of the entire 82 km of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, 68 km falls under Ghaziabad and Meerut districts. In addition, the Namo Bharat infrastructure will also host local metro services in Meerut. The National Metro Rail Policy 2017 said urban mass transit projects should not merely be seen as urban transport projects but more as urban transformation projects. It mandated states to explore conventional and innovative non-fare box revenue (NFBR) options for the long-term financial sustainability of the projects by formulating their own policies. The housing and urban development ministry took a major step forward by introducing a value capture financing policy, providing a framework for states and union territories to harness the potential of their assets – including underutilised land – to drive infrastructure development. As per UP's TOD policy, areas within 500 meters of city mass transit systems like metro lines, and 1.5 kilometres on each side of intercity transit systems like Namo Bharatr, are considered TOD zones, where building taller, mixed-use developments will be promoted. This includes residential, commercial, and office spaces, along with public amenities. Also, base floor area ratio (FAR)—currently at 2.5—will be increased in areas under the TOD Zone to 4 in developed areas and 5 in undeveloped areas. Ghaziabad has also identified TOD zones and incorporated them in its city master plan. It is currently awaiting final approval from the state government for implementation.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Yogi government to invest ₹20,000 crore each in Meerut, Mathura, Kanpur for urban transformation
Aiming to transform key urban centres, the Yogi Adityanath government has identified Meerut, Mathura and Kanpur for focused integrated development through investments worth around ₹20,000 crore each over the next five years, said an official who is part of the exercise. The plan intends to bring visible change through a structured mix of short, medium, and long-term projects. Departments like housing, urban development, public works and energy have been directed to prepare and implement proposals in a time-bound manner. 'The initiative is part of the state's broader strategy to modernize tier-2 cities, improve liveability with sustainable development and attract private investment. Various government departments have been tasked with identifying infrastructure, civic and economic development projects that can show measurable impact,' the official said. The effort began two days back with the Meerut Development Authority (MDA) presenting a detailed blueprint to chief minister Yogi Adityanath in a meeting here. MDA has outlined an ambitious urban transformation roadmap involving 93 projects worth ₹18,262 crore, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and central schemes such as AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), Smart Cities Mission, and HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana). The presentation was titled 'Revitalising Meerut: Transforming the City Through and Theme-Bases Urban Development Projects.' According to MDA's theme-based approach, as shown through the presentation, the focus is on six core areas: enhancing public spaces, improving connectivity, upgrading utilities and social infrastructure, promoting industrial and housing growth, preserving heritage, and ensuring effective redevelopment. The largest share—37 projects valued at ₹5,382 crore—aims at seamless connectivity for a smarter and more liveable Meerut. This includes initiatives planned across short, medium, and long-term phases. Enhancing public spaces and streetscaping accounts for 14 projects worth ₹3,814 crore, while 23 projects ( ₹3,975 crore) are aimed at infrastructure and connectivity upgrades. Notably, only 11 of the 93 projects require land acquisition, involving an estimated cost of ₹5,440 crore. The plan also includes the establishment of Central Business District (CBD) at Hastinapur in Meerut with an investment nod for ₹200 crore. The proposed CBD aims to become a focal point for economic development, employment generation, and tourism, making use of its available land and heritage value Currently, six projects are under implementation, and the overall timeline spans from short-term (0–1 year) to long-term (2.5–5 years). Similar development plans are being prepared for Mathura and Kanpur. Officials suggest that Mathura's plan may focus on religious tourism infrastructure, riverfront development along the Yamuna, and decongestion of temple town areas. Kanpur is expected to prioritise industrial rejuvenation, transport upgrades and pollution mitigation. A city-wise nodal officer system, monthly reviews and a real-time monitoring dashboard under some senior authority in the state capital are being designed to ensure fast-track implementation. 'The government will also encourage investment in all these three cities under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model,' the official said.
