NCRTC Seeks Bidders for Commercial and Residential Projects Along Delhi-Meerut Corridor

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has invited bids for the development of commercial, residential, and service hubs along the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor. This initiative aims to monetize land parcels, generate non-fare revenue, and enhance urban infrastructure around the Namo Bharat stations.

Strategic Planning and Development

NCRTC has set up a Project Management Unit to oversee the strategic planning of these developments. The selected consultants will be responsible for market research, transaction advisory, project management support, and knowledge transfer. The goal is to create sustainable urban zones that integrate retail, residential, and service-oriented facilities, boosting economic growth along the corridor.

The key land parcels identified for development are located in Ghaziabad, Duhai Depot, Bhainsali (Meerut), and Modipuram Depot. These sites will be transformed into retail and commercial spaces to support urban growth in these areas. NCRTC’s plan includes malls, retail-dining-entertainment hubs, integrated parking facilities with office spaces, rental housing, studio apartments, hospitals, and other amenities.

Land Allotment and Project Scope

The Ghaziabad plot spans approximately 2.4 hectares, while Duhai Depot, Bhainsali, and Modipuram Depot have allocated about 31, 9.7, and 31 hectares, respectively. Additionally, 16 smaller land parcels across locations such as Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, Duhai, Muradnagar, Modipuram South, and North, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, and Modipuram are available for development.

Currently, Namo Bharat trains operate along a 58-km stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, covering 11 stations. The entire 82-km corridor is expected to be completed within the year. The integration of this semi-high-speed corridor with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones aims to encourage connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and prevent urban sprawl.

TOD and Financial Sustainability

The Project Management Unit will ensure that these land development projects align with existing TOD principles and urban regulatory frameworks. Responsibilities of the selected consultants include conducting real estate market studies, assessing demand, financial modeling for land utilization, preparing business plans and bid documents, selecting developers, ensuring stakeholder coordination, contract execution, and overseeing project progress.

At the conclusion of the project, consultants will provide documentation and handover reports to ensure seamless knowledge continuity. The deadline for bid submissions is March 20, 2025.

TOD principles promote high-density, mixed-use development within walking distance of transit stations. This approach reduces congestion in densely populated areas while fostering sustainable urban expansion. Delhi, Meerut, and Ghaziabad Development Authorities are working together to implement TOD and Value Capture Financing (VCF) strategies. The World Bank has recognized NCRTC’s TOD model as a benchmark for sustainable urban planning.

Given the capital-intensive nature of the Namo Bharat project, NCRTC is also focusing on generating sustainable revenue through land value capture and other non-fare revenue streams. By adopting global best practices, this model aims to ensure long-term financial viability.

With initiatives such as TOD, Land Value Capture (LVC), and VCF, the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is poised to become a model for modern urban development in India, driving both economic and infrastructural growth.

Image source: metro rail news