Commuters on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor will soon benefit from an array of new amenities, including food outlets, stores, and ATMs, at three key stations: Sahibabad, Guldhar, and Duhai. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is overseeing this Rs 30,000 crore project, has initiated the process to lease commercial spaces at these stations to enhance the commuter experience.
Bids Invited for Commercial Spaces
The NCRTC has invited bids for the commercial spaces located within the station premises near the entry and exit points. The last date for bid submission is June 4. The primary aim of this initiative is to “monetise the commercial potential of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor,” according to the bid document available on the NCRTC’s website. The revenue generated from these commercial spaces will be used to cover the operational costs of the RRTS.
Available Commercial Spaces
At the Sahibabad RRTS station, a commercial area of approximately 165 square metres is available in the entry/exit block adjacent to Vasundhara and the Sahibabad Industrial Area. Guldhar station offers a commercial space of around 145 square metres. Duhai station has two commercial spaces available for bidding at entry/exit Pocket A and Pocket D, measuring approximately 140 and 135 square metres, respectively, located on either side of Meerut Road.
Significance of the Project
These developments are particularly significant given the high potential footfall at these stations. The NCRTC’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) estimates that the combined footfall at Sahibabad, Guldhar, and Duhai stations will reach around 195,000 in 2024. This figure is expected to grow to approximately 323,000 by 2031 and exceed 480,000 by 2051. This growing number of commuters underscores the necessity for enhanced amenities to improve the overall travel experience.
Current and Future Operations
Currently, Namo Bharat trains operate across eight stations on the 34 km section between Sahibabad and Modi Nagar North. These stations include Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai Depot, Murad Nagar, Modi Nagar South, and Modi Nagar North. Plans are already underway to open commercial spaces at additional stations along the corridor.
The operational section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is soon expected to extend up to Meerut South station, increasing the length of the operated section to 42 km. The full corridor spans 82 km, with the goal of commencing Namo Bharat train operations along the entire length by June 2025.
Enhancing Non-Fare Revenue
The initiative to lease commercial spaces is part of NCRTC’s broader strategy to augment its non-fare box revenue. By licensing these spaces, the NCRTC aims to create additional revenue streams to support the operational sustainability of the RRTS project. This approach not only benefits the commuters by providing convenient access to various amenities but also ensures the long-term financial health of the transit system.
Looking Ahead
As the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor continues to expand and evolve, the introduction of commercial amenities at stations like Sahibabad, Guldhar, and Duhai marks a significant step towards improving the commuter experience. With the anticipated increase in footfall, these enhancements are set to play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the growing number of daily passengers, making the RRTS a more attractive and convenient mode of transportation for the region.
In summary, the NCRTC’s initiative to introduce commercial spaces at key RRTS stations is a forward-thinking move aimed at enhancing commuter convenience and generating essential revenue. As the corridor develops, these amenities will become integral to the daily commute of thousands of passengers, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.
