Four stations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train route have been selected for development under the SMART (Station Area Development) plan. These include Thane and Virar in Maharashtra, and Surat and Sabarmati in Gujarat. The goal is to increase economic activity around these stations and improve commuter convenience.
The SMART plan follows the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. Under this, there will be mixed-use environments around each station. The project will improve accessibility and reduce congestion.
The SMART plan will cover a radius of up to 800 meters from each station and will be developed in three stages. Phase one focuses on the immediate 200-meter radius around the station. This area will include facilities like parking, passenger plazas, and designated zones for pickups and drop-offs.
The second phase extends from 200 to 500 meters from the station. In this phase, road connectivity to the station will be improved. This stage will be completed within ten years following the main project’s completion.
The third and final phase involves the development of an additional 300 meters, bringing the development radius to 800 meters around each station.
Transportation, including buses, taxis, metro, and rail, will also be connected with the stations. It will shorten trip times by encouraging public transit usage. Each station area will be designed as a self-sufficient ecosystem.
Various land uses will be incorporated, such as office spaces, hotels, medical facilities, and educational institutions. These amenities will be within walking distance, supporting local businesses and generating employment.
Changes like adjustments to the floor area ratio and floor space index, road widening, and land use modifications will happen. Development rights transfers Commercial exploitation of land within the designated radius will help generate revenue and ensure sustainable urban growth.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will lend its expertise and provide technical advice to align the SMART development with global standards.
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