Namo Bharat and Metro to Boost Industries of Meerut; Ensure Faster, Easier Access to Delhi

 Namo Bharat and Metro to Boost Industries of Meerut; Ensure Faster, Easier Access to Delhi

Meerut-The country’s first Namo Bharat train is now set to reach deeper into the heart of Meerut. Additionally, local Meerut metro services will also be operational in the city, providing a dual boost to local industry and significantly improving access to Delhi. Meerut is home to a wide range of industries, including the globally renowned sports goods sector, especially cricket bats manufactured locally. With Namo Bharat trains now reaching inner-city stations like Shatabdi Nagar and Begumpul, these industries and the industrial units situated around them are poised to gain considerable benefits.

The next Namo Bharat station  towards Meerut, beyond the existing operational stretch between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South station, is Shatabdi Nagar, which is nearing operational readiness. Notably, the metro service will also commence from Meerut South. There are two metro stations between Meerut South and Shatabdi Nagar, Partapur and Rithani. Namo Bharat trains will not halt at these stations, these will only provide metro services. Following Shatabdi Nagar, the next Namo Bharat station is Begumpul, which is often referred to as the heart of Meerut.

Partapur and Rithani are industrial hubs within Meerut. These areas are home to numerous units manufacturing sports equipment, which are supplied all across India and even the world. Moreover, many footwear manufacturing units are also established here, that cater to markets across the country.

A prominent dairy processing plant, operated by a cooperative society, is located in this area. It handles the processing and packaging of milk and its various products, which are supplied extensively. Additionally, there are many factories engaged in pickle and jam production. Many of these units rely on goods transported from Delhi, and employees frequently travel to and from the capital. The operation of Namo Bharat trains will offer them a more efficient and accessible commuting option.

Meerut’s nearest international airport is also located in Delhi. The travel time, which used to be hours by bus or private vehicle, will now be significantly reduced to minutes with the fast connectivity provided by Namo Bharat.

At present, commuters traveling from Delhi or Ghaziabad to Meerut South via Namo Bharat rely on auto-rickshaws or city buses to reach the inner parts of Meerut. With the commissioning of metro services, this journey will become faster, safer, more convenient and comfortable. A three-coach metro will operate on a 23-km stretch within Meerut, for which 11 stations are being built and are in their final stages of construction. The metro services will be available for commuters from Meerut South to Modipuram Depot.

Meerut Metro will be the fastest metro system in the country, with a maximum operational speed of 120 km per hour. For the first time in India, the Meerut Metro services will be provided on the same tracks and infrastructure as the semi-high-speed Namo Bharat trains.

Additionally, the area around the Namo Bharat corridor will be developed under the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy of Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to enhance existing facilities round the corridor and develop all the necessary facilities for the residents of the surrounding areas. TOD addresses challenges posed by rapid urbanization by integrating land use and public transport to enable compact, efficient development. It also helps reduce urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and pollution. Stakeholders’ views and suggestions have been regularly invited to shape the future of Meerut’s infrastructure and urban development in alignment with the goals of Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro.

The operation of Namo Bharat is also generating employment for local residents, the opportunities for which are expected to grow with the commissioning of the entire corridor.

At present, Namo Bharat trains are operational between a 55-km stretch from New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Meerut South with 11 stations. Soon, metro services will be available from Meerut South and will connect Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahmapuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, Begumpul, MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North, Modipuram, and Modipuram Depot. Among these, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul are underground stations. Four stations—Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram—will offer both metro services and the high-speed Namo Bharat, operational at a maximum speed of 160 km per hour.