The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has invited bids to develop commercial and residential hubs along the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, aiming to generate non-fare revenue and enhance urban infrastructure, as published by Hindustan Times.
The corporation plans to set up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to ensure the successful execution of property development initiatives.
NCRTC has earmarked several land parcels for development, including major plots in Ghaziabad, Duhai Depot, Bhaisali (Meerut), and Modipuram Depot. According to the corporation, the Ghaziabad plot spans 2.4 hectares, while Duhai Depot, Bhaisali, and Modipuram sites cover approximately 31, 9.7, and 31 hectares, respectively. Additional smaller plots, totaling around 16 hectares, are available at Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Guldhar, Duhai, Muradnagar, Modinagar South and North, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, and Modipuram.
The designated plots will be developed into retail and mixed-use spaces, featuring malls, Retail-Dining-Entertainment (RDE) hubs, integrated parking facilities, office spaces, rental housing, studio apartments, hospitals, and theme parks. NCRTC said the initiative aims to provide a diverse mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational amenities, benefiting both commuters and the surrounding communities.
Currently, the Namo Bharat train service operates along a 55-kilometer stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, covering 11 stations. The full 82-kilometer corridor is slated for completion later this year.
NCRTC emphasized that Namo Bharat, India’s first high-speed, high-frequency regional transit system, is reshaping urban mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR). By integrating the corridor with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones, the project seeks to enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and prevent unplanned urban expansion.
To facilitate this initiative, NCRTC plans to establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) to oversee strategic planning and implementation. The selected consultant will be responsible for market research, transaction advisory, project management support, and knowledge transfer.
The consultant’s role includes conducting real estate market studies, demand assessments, and financial modeling to optimize land use. Additionally, the PMU will prepare business plans, draft bid documents, assist in developer selection, and manage stakeholder coordination, contract execution, and overall project progress. Upon completion, the consultant will provide documentation and handover reports to ensure continuity.
The development strategy aligns with TOD principles and existing regulatory frameworks, promoting high-density, mixed-use developments within walking distance of transit stations. This approach aims to reduce congestion in highly populated areas while fostering growth in emerging urban centers.
The Delhi, Meerut, and Ghaziabad Development Authorities are collaborating on the implementation of TOD and Value Capture Financing (VCF) strategies. The World Bank has recognized NCRTC’s TOD model as a global best practice in sustainable urban planning.
Since Namo Bharat is a capital-intensive project, NCRTC is actively exploring sustainable revenue sources beyond fare collection. The corporation is implementing TOD, Land Value Capture (LVC), and Value Capture Financing (VCF) to ensure long-term financial sustainability by adopting domestic and international best practices.
Bids for the project are due by March 20.