Transit Oriented Development in Meerut to unlock real estate on Namo Bharat corridor
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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.
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