At three important stations—Sahibabad, Guldhar, and Duhai—commuters on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS route will soon have access to a variety of additional services, like as restaurants, shops, and ATMs. To improve the passenger experience, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is in charge of this Rs 30,000 crore project, has started the process of leasing commercial spaces at these stations.
Requests for Bids on Commercial Spaces
For the commercial spaces inside the station grounds next to the entrance and exit, the NCRTC has requested offers. June 4 is the deadline for submitting bids. As per the bid document that can be accessed on the NCRTC website, the principal objective of this endeavor is to “monetise the commercial potential of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor.”
Commercial Spaces Available
A business space measuring roughly 165 square meters is available at the entry/exit block of the Sahibabad RRTS station, next to the Sahibabad Industrial Area and Vasundhara. A about 145 square meter business area is available at Guldhar station. Two commercial spaces at entry/exit Pocket A and Pocket D of Duhai station, on either side of Meerut Road, are up for bid. They measure roughly 140 and 135 square meters, respectively.
Importance of the Initiative
This improvement is especially important because these stations have a large potential foot traffic. According to the NCRTC’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), the combined foot traffic at the stations at Sahibabad, Guldhar, and Duhai is expected to be approximately 195,000 in 2024. By 2031, this number is anticipated to increase to over 323,000 and surpass 480,000 in the year 2051. The increasing number of commuters highlights the need for improved amenities to increase the quality of travel in general.
Operations: Past, Present, and Future
Currently, the 34-kilometer stretch between Sahibabad and Modi Nagar North is serviced by Namo Bharat trains through eight stations. Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai Depot, Murad Nagar, Modi Nagar South, and Modi Nagar North are a few of these stations. There are also plans in place to open retail areas at more stations along the route.
It is anticipated that the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor’s operational segment will shortly reach the Meerut South station, bringing its total length to 42 kilometers. The corridor is 82 km long, and by June 2025, rail services for Namo Bharat are expected to begin all the way through.
Increasing Non-Fare Income
Leasing commercial space is a part of NCRTC’s larger plan to increase revenue from non-fare boxes. The NCRTC hopes to generate further income streams through the licensing of these spaces, which will help ensure the RRTS project’s operational sustainability. By giving passengers easy access to a range of amenities, this strategy not only helps them but also guarantees the transportation system’s long-term financial stability.
Gazing Forward
The addition of commercial amenities at stations like Sahibabad, Guldhar, and Duhai is a major step towards enhancing the commuter experience as the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor continues to grow and change. With the expected rise in foot traffic, these improvements will be essential in fulfilling the demands of the increasing number of everyday , increasing the RRTS’s appeal and practicality as a means of local transportation.
In conclusion, the NCRTC’s plan to add commercial space at significant RRTS stations is a progressive step meant to improve commuter comfort and bring in much-needed cash. Thousands of passengers’ daily commutes will depend on these facilities as the corridor grows, which will enhance the overall viability and success of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.