The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is creating over 8,000 vehicles parking spaces at its stations along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, according to a statement released on Thursday. “There are 25 stations on the entire RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut. The parking spaces are being developed considering the expected footfall at these stations. The biggest parking space is at Meerut South station, where around 300 cars and 900 two wheelers can be parked.”
“The second big parking space is being developed at Sarai Kale Khan station in Delhi, where around 275 cars and 900 two wheelers can be parked. In these parking spaces, electric charging stations are also being installed to boost convenience, clean energy adoption, and efficient last mile connectivity,” the statement said.
The Namo Bharat train services are enhancing regional connectivity across the NCR with high-speed links. The RRTS stations are strategically placed at intervals of five to ten kilometres. Aiming to encourage public transport use, the NCRTC is implementing initiatives to offer top-notch first and last mile connectivity.
To support this goal, ample parking space is provided at station areas for commuters to park their personal vehicles and enjoy the safe, reliable, and comfortable ride of Namo Bharat. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the Delhi-Meerut route, decrease road accidents, and lower air pollution.
The implementation of the entire Delhi-Meerut corridor is expected to boost the public transport share from the current 37% to 63%. Additionally, the NCRTC is exploring various options for last mile connectivity and has recently invited expressions of interest for providing different types of feeder services at all 25 stations.
“The entire corridor’s parking facilities will likely accommodate more than 1,600 cars and over 6,500 two wheelers. At present, there are no parking fees for the commuters coming for pick and drop only as they can park their vehicles free of cost for the first 10 minutes.
“Beyond that, a fee structure will be applicable, which is for up to six hours, INR five for bicycles, INR 10 for two-wheelers, and INR 25 for cars; for six to 12 hours, INR five for bicycles, INR 25 for two-wheelers, and INR 50 for cars; and after 12 hours until the end of RRTS operation hours, INR 10 for bicycles, INR 30 for two-wheelers, and INR 100 for cars,” the statement said.
Night parking during non operational hours will cost INR 20 for bicycles, INR 60 for two wheelers, and INR 200 for cars, it stated.
A 34-kilometre section of this corridor is already operational for the public, with eight RRTS stations where parking facilities have been provided to commuters. The facility to park auto rickshaws is also available in these parking lots, it said.
Special provisions have been made at the stations for pickup and drop off facilities. The stations have been designed in such a way that vehicles coming from the main road can easily pick up and drop passengers, as stated.
Along with this, keeping in mind the movement of specially abled passengers, a separate place has been earmarked for parking their vehicles, and ramps have also been made for easy entry into the station so that they can avail themselves of the facility to travel on the Namo Bharat train seamlessly, the statement said.
The NCRTC is also planning to install battery swapping stations in its parking areas for both commuters and last mile service providers. This initiative will promote sustainable modes of transport at a pocket friendly cost for commuters. The battery swapping stations will not only encourage the use of electric vehicles but also enhance last-mile connectivity for people, it stated.
Inputs from PTI
