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Meerut
Meerut
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Meerut is a city that serves as the administrative headquarters of the Meerut district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city lies in western Uttar Pradesh and is part of the Indian National Capital Region (NCR). Meerut is located 80 km (50 mi) northeast of the national capital, New Delhi, and 480 km (300 mi) northwest of the state capital, Lucknow.[9] Meerut is also the second-most populous city in the NCR, after Delhi.[10] As of 2025, Meerut’s urban (metro) population is estimated at ≈ 1.875 million. The population of Meerut Municipal Corporation is projected to be about 1.907 million, while the wider Meerut metropolitan region is estimated at approximately 2.077 million. Meerut is among the most populous cities in NCR, after Delhi and Ghaziabad.[11]

Key Information

In 1803, Meerut was as a significant location during the British colonial era, serving as the site of one of India’s largest cantonments.[12] Meerut was one of the first locations where the 1857 rebellion against British rule began. It has been called the "Sports City of India" due to its sports goods industry.[13] Meerut produces large number of musical instruments in India. It is also one of Asia's largest gold markets. The city is an education hub in western Uttar Pradesh and has the third-highest per capita income after Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida and Greater Noida).[a][14]

India's first Regional Rapid Transit System, Delhi Meerut RRTS, is partially operational in Meerut and serves as an inter-city high-speed metro corridor.[15] Meerut is connected by three expressways, including the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, the Ganga Expressway, and the Meerut-Kanpur Expressway.[16]

Origin of the name

[edit]

The name Meerut (Hindi: मेरठ) is believed to have evolved from Mayarashtra (मयराष्ट्र), the capital city of the mythological kingdom ruled by Mayasura, a legendary architect and the father of Mandodari, wife of Ravana. Over the centuries, the name underwent several transformations—such as Mairashtra, Mai-dant-ka-khera, and Mairaath—before settling into its current form, Meerut.[17]

Another tradition attributes the city’s origin to King Yudhishthira, who is said to have granted the land to Mayasura in recognition of his architectural prowess. According to this account, Mayasura named the region Maharashtra (not to be confused with the modern day Indian state of Maharashtra), which eventually morphed into Meerut due to linguistic and historical evolution.[18][19]

An alternative version suggests, that Meerut was part of the dominions of King Mahipala, the ruler of Indraprastha, and that the city’s name is derived from his association with the area.[20][21][22]

History

[edit]

Ancient era

[edit]

Archaeological excavations conducted between 1950 and 1952 at Vidura-ka-Tila, a collection of several mounds named after Vidura 37 km (23 miles) northeast of Meerut, concluded that Meerut contains the remains of the ancient city of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas of Mahabharata, which was washed away by floods from the Ganges.[23][24][25]

Meerut also contained a Harappan settlement known as Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Indus Valley civilisation. Meerut was a centre of Buddhism during the reign of Mauryan emperor Ashoka (r. 273 BC to 232 BC.), and remains of Buddhist structures were found near the Jama Masjid in the present day city.[26] The Ashoka Pillar, at Delhi Ridge, was carried to Delhi from Meerut by Firuz Shah Tughluq (r. 1351–1388).[24][27][28] It was later damaged in a 1713 explosion and restored in 1867.[29]

In Hindu mythology, Meerut has a strong connection to the Mahabharata. One of the main characters in the epic, Draupadi, is believed by the locals to have been born here.[30]

Muslim conquests

[edit]

In the eleventh century AD, the region to the south-west of the city was ruled by Har Dat, the Dor Raja of Bulandshahr. He built a fort, which was long known for its strength and was mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari.[31] He was later defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1018 and surrendered along with his forces to Mahmud.[32] The Jama Masjid, a prominent local landmark, was said to be built by Mahmud's vizier in this period. Shortly after its capture, the city was regained by the local Hindu raja and part of his fortifications, built for the city's defense, survived into modern times.[33] Muhammad of Ghor's mamluk general Qutb-ud-din Aybak attacked and captured Meerut in 1193.[34]

Timur attacked and sacked Meerut in 1399. The city was held by Ilyas Afghan and his son Maula Muhammad Thaneswari, who were assisted by non-Muslims led by Safi. Timur tried to negotiate a surrender, but the inhabitants of the fort replied saying that Tarmashirin had tried to capture the city in the past, but failed. Incensed, Timur attacked the city with 10,000 cavalry. The forces scaled the walls and Safi was killed in the battle. The inhabitants were killed and their wives and children were enslaved. The fortifications and houses were razed to the ground, and the prisoners were ordered to be flayed alive.[35][36]

The city then came under the rule of the Mughal Empire and saw a period of relative tranquility.[37] During the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605), there was a mint producing copper coins in the city.[26] During the reign of Akbar, Meerut was listed in the Ain-i-Akbari as a pargana under Delhi Sarkar, producing a revenue of 4,391,996 dams for the imperial treasury and supplying a force of 300 infantry and 100 cavalry.[38]

A major part of Meerut was controlled by Sayyid jagirdars of Abdullapur, from 16th to late 18th century. Sayyed Mir Abdulla Naqvi Al Bukhari built Kot Fort in Abdullapur in 16th century, and it became his main residence.[39][40][41] The descendants of Syed Sadarudin Shah Kabir Naqvi Al Kannauji Bukhari are still present in Meerut; Sadarudin was a chief advisor of Sikandar Lodi and the father of saint Shah Jewna.[42][43][44][45] The famous Pakistani writer Syed Qudrat Naqvi Al Bukhari was born in Meerut.[46][47][48]

Nawab Mansab Ali Khan was one of the most influential personalities of Meerut; he built the famous Karbala and Masjid, known as Mansabiya, in 1882.[49]

The city saw Sikh and Maratha invasions in the 18th century, with interruptions by Taga Brahman and Rohillas. Walter Reinhardt, a European soldier, established himself at Sardhana, and some parts of the district came under his rule. Upon his death, these areas came into the hands of Begum Samru. During this time, the southern part of the district had remained under Maratha rule.[50]

Colonial era

[edit]

In 1803, with the fall of Delhi, Daulat Rao Scindia of the Marathas ceded the territory to the British East India Company (EIC). The cantonment of Meerut was established in 1806 due to its proximity to Delhi and its location in the fertile GangaYamuna Doab region. The city was made headquarters of the eponymous district in 1818.[37][51][52]

1857 Mutineers' Mosque

Meerut is often associated with the 1857 rebellion against Company rule in India.[53] The slogan "Dilli Chalo" ("Let's march to Delhi!") was first spoken in the city, and the Meerut cantonment was the place where the rebellion started.[citation needed] Another name for Meerut is "Kranti Dhara," or "the land of revolution," denoting the place where India's independence movement began.

The revolt, which catapulted Meerut into international prominence, began in March 1857 in Barrackpore, Bengal. Indian sepoy Mangal Pandey shot at two of his commanding officers, missed, then attempted suicide. He was later executed. By April, Pandey's uprising had spread across North India and reached Meerut, which was then the second-largest East India Company garrison. Here, Europeans and native sepoys were evenly balanced, with a little more than 2,000 on each side. The European cantonment was separated from the Indian one. Sadar Bazar and Lal Kurti Bazar were close by, the latter named after the red uniforms worn by the Presidency armies. On 24 April 1857, Meerut's commander, Colonel Carmichael Smyth, paraded 90 Indian sepoys of the Bengal Cavalry, most of whom had come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He ordered the soldiers to fire the new Enfield cartridges they had been supplied with. The cartridges were covered with paper that had to be torn off, and Muslim soldiers believed the paper was greased with pig fat (pigs in religion) and Hindus thought it was greased with cow fat (cows in Hinduism). Thus, they refused to touch them when ordered to.[54]

All 85 soldiers were stripped of their uniforms, and court-martialed; they were all sentenced to a decade in prison. The prisoners, who were upper-class members of a cavalry regiment, were shocked at the harsh sentences handed down to them. On 10 May 1857, Kotwal Dhan Singh opened the gates of the prison. These soldiers, along with the other imprisoned soldiers, escaped prison and declared themselves free. They proceeded to mutiny, attack, and kill several Company officials in the city to bring it under their control. This marked the beginning of a widespread revolt across northern India, as the soldiers marched towards Delhi. 10 May is celebrated as a local holiday in Meerut.[55]

The United Provinces in 1903.

Meerut was also the venue of the Meerut Conspiracy Case in March 1929, in which several trade unionists, including three Englishmen, were arrested by the colonial authorities for organizing a railway strike action. The case quickly became the subject of attention in England, inspiring a 1932 play titled Meerut Prisoners by left-wing Manchester street theatre group the Red Megaphones, which highlighted the detrimental effects of capitalism and industrialisation.[56] Electricity was first introduced to Meerut in 1931.[51] In the 1940s, during the height of the Indian independence movement, cinema-goers in Meerut had an unofficial policy of refusing to stand up when God Save the King played before the film was shown.[57] The last session of the Indian National Congress (INC) before the independence of India in 1947, was held at Victoria Park in Meerut on 26 November 1946. It was in this session that the Constitution-making committee was constituted.[57]

Post-independence era

[edit]

The city and district also suffered from communal Hindu-Sikh riots in 1984[58] and Hindu-Muslim riots in 1982.[59] In May 1987, the Hashimpura massacre occurred when personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) shot and killed 42 Muslims; the trial of the case is still pending.[60][61] In 2006, a fire at a consumer electronics "Brand India" fair in Victoria Park Stadium killed at least 100 people, with authorities confirming 45 fatalities, although a specific figure on a toll was difficult to determine and was believed to be much higher.[62]

Geography

[edit]

Meerut lies between the plains of the Ganges and the Yamuna in the Doab region. By land area, Meerut district covers 2,522km2 (974 sq mi), which is larger than Delhi (Delhi covers an area of 1,484km2 [573 sq mi]).[63]

Climate

[edit]

Meerut has a monsoon influenced humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and cooler winters. Summers last from early April to late June and are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 49 °C (120 °F).[64]

The monsoon arrives in late June and continues till the middle of September. Temperatures drop slightly, with increased cloud cover and higher humidity. Temperatures rise again in October and the city then has a mild, dry winter season from November to the middle of March.[64] The lowest temperature ever recorded is −0.4 °C (31.3 °F), on 6 January 2013.[65] The rainfall averages about 845 millimetres (33 in) per annum, which is suitable for crop cultivation. Most of the rainfall is received during the monsoon. The humidity varies from 30 to 100%.[64]

Meerut has been ranked 25th best "National Clean Air City" (under Category 1 >10 lakh population cities) in India according to 'Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 Results.[66]

Climate data for Meerut (1991–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 29.3
(84.7)
32.2
(90.0)
39.5
(103.1)
43.8
(110.8)
45.8
(114.4)
46.1
(115.0)
46.0
(114.8)
40.0
(104.0)
39.0
(102.2)
38.0
(100.4)
34.5
(94.1)
30.0
(86.0)
46.1
(115.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 19.0
(66.2)
22.9
(73.2)
28.7
(83.7)
36.0
(96.8)
38.4
(101.1)
36.6
(97.9)
33.7
(92.7)
33.1
(91.6)
33.1
(91.6)
32.2
(90.0)
27.2
(81.0)
22.0
(71.6)
30.3
(86.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 6.9
(44.4)
9.9
(49.8)
14.2
(57.6)
19.2
(66.6)
23.4
(74.1)
25.4
(77.7)
25.7
(78.3)
25.1
(77.2)
23.5
(74.3)
17.5
(63.5)
11.8
(53.2)
7.8
(46.0)
17.5
(63.5)
Record low °C (°F) −0.4
(31.3)
0.1
(32.2)
5.4
(41.7)
8.3
(46.9)
15.4
(59.7)
17.7
(63.9)
16.5
(61.7)
18.5
(65.3)
15.7
(60.3)
7.2
(45.0)
1.8
(35.2)
0.2
(32.4)
−0.4
(31.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 20.1
(0.79)
32.2
(1.27)
24.2
(0.95)
15.7
(0.62)
28.7
(1.13)
81.9
(3.22)
226.4
(8.91)
217.9
(8.58)
119.1
(4.69)
16.4
(0.65)
1.4
(0.06)
4.9
(0.19)
788.9
(31.06)
Average rainy days 1.5 1.9 1.8 1.2 2.1 4.4 9.0 9.0 5.4 0.9 0.2 0.5 37.8
Average relative humidity (%) 64 55 48 34 35 51 71 73 69 59 58 62 56
Source: India Meteorological Department (record high and low up to 2012)[67][68][69][70][71]

Administration

[edit]

General administration

[edit]

The Meerut division consists of six districts, and is headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Meerut, who is a senior IAS officer. The Commissioner is the head of local government institutions (including Municipal Corporations) in the division, and is in charge of infrastructural development in their division.[72][73][74][75][76] The District Magistrate of Meerut reports to the Divisional Commissioner. The current Commissioner is Selva Kumari J.[77][78]

The Meerut district administration is headed by the District Magistrate of Meerut, who is an IAS officer. The DM is in charge of property records and revenue collection for the central government and oversees the elections held in the city.[72][79][80][81][82] The district is subdivided into three tehsils, namely Meerut, Mawana and Sardhana, each headed by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate. The tehsils are further divided into 12 blocks.[83] The current District Magistrate of Meerut is Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh.[84]

Police administration

[edit]

The Meerut district comes under the Meerut police zone and the Meerut police range of Uttar Pradesh Police. The Meerut zone is headed by an IPS officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADG), whereas the Meerut range is headed by an IPS officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police (IG). Currently, Rajeev Sabharwal is the ADG of the Meerut Zone and Praveen Kumar is the current IG of the Meerut range.[85][86]

The District Police of Meerut is headed by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) who is an IPS officer. He is assisted by four Superintendents of Police (SP)/Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) (City, Rural Area, Traffic and Crime). The Meerut district is divided into numerous police circles, each headed by a Circle Officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. SP (Traffic) and SP (Crime) are assisted by one Circle Officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.[87] The current SSP is Rohit Singh Sajwan.[87]

Infrastructure and civic administration

[edit]

The development of infrastructure in the city is overseen by the Meerut Development Authority (MDA),[88] which comes under the Housing Department of Uttar Pradesh government. The Divisional Commissioner of Meerut acts as the ex-officio Chairman of MDA, whereas a vice-chairman, a government-appointed IAS officer, looks after the daily matters of the authority. The current vice-chairman of Meerut Development Authority is Sita Ram Yadav.[89]

The city is administered by Meerut Municipal Corporation, which is responsible for performing civic administrative functions administered by the Municipal Commissioner (PCS Officer) whereas the Mayor is the ceremonial head of the corporation. The current Municipal Commissioner of Meerut Municipal Corporation is Manoj Kumar Singh.

Central government offices

[edit]

The office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs and Central Excise, Meerut Zone, has jurisdiction over 13 districts of Uttarakhand and 14 districts of Uttar Pradesh. This jurisdiction was carved out of the Lucknow Zone. It comprises the erstwhile Customs and Central Excise Commissioners of Meerut and Noida. The Meerut Commissionerate was bifurcated into two Commissionerates, namely, 'Meerut-I and Ghaziabad' and the Noida Commissionerate was bifurcated into 'Noida and Meerut-II'. In addition, the jurisdiction of Central Excise Division Bareilly was included in the jurisdiction of Meerut-II Commissionerate.[90]

The CGHS department of Meerut provides comprehensive health care facilities for central government employees and pensioners and their dependents residing in the city.

District management

[edit]
  • The Jani Khurd block is established on 1 October 1962.
  • The Rohta block is established on 1 October 1959.
  • The Daurala block is established on 1 October 1962.
  • The Rajpura block is established on 1 October 1959.
  • The Kharkhoda block is established on 1 October 1959.
  • The Mawana block is established on 1 April 1957.
  • The Meerut block is established on 1 April 1957.
  • The Hastinapur block is established on 1 April 1963.
  • The Sardhana block is established on 26 January 1955.
  • The Saroorpur Khurd block is established on 1 April 1959.
  • The Machchhara block is established on 1 October 1961.
  • The Parikshitgarh block is established on 1 April 1958.

Demand for High Court bench in Meerut

[edit]

Almost 54% of all cases reaching the Allahabad High Court of Uttar Pradesh originate from the 22 districts of western Uttar Pradesh, but western Uttar Pradesh does not have a High Court bench. People must travel 700km away to Allahabad for hearings. Six high courts (Shimla, Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Nainital, Jammu) from other states are closer than Allahabad from western Uttar Pradesh.[91] Western Uttar Pradesh has been advocating to have a high court bench in Meerut so that Western Uttar Pradesh can get access to judicial services. The bench in the western part of the state was first proposed by the government in 1955.

Meerut Cantonment

[edit]
Mall Road in Meerut Cantonment.

Meerut Cantonment was established by the British East India Company in 1803 after the Battle of Laswari. It is one of the largest cantonments of India both in land area 3,568.06 hectares (35.68 km2) and population (93,684 (civil + military) people) as per the 2011 census.[92] The Revolt of 1857 began in "Kali Paltan" in Meerut Cantonment and Indian soldiers stationed here actively participated in the rebellion.[9][93] The cantonment surrounds the old city from 3 sides – from Pallavpuram to Sainik Vihar to Ganga Nagar.[94] It is well connected with the rest of country by roads as well as by rail. The Delhi-Niti Pass Road (State Highway No. 45) passes through Meerut Cantonment.[93] Meerut cantonment was the divisional headquarters of the 7th (Meerut) Division of the British Indian Army from 1829 to 1920.[95]

Economy

[edit]

Development

[edit]
Delhi–Meerut Expressway
Atop an under-construction overpass.

Meerut is the 63rd-fastest-growing urban area in the world.[96] It is the fastest developing city in Uttar Pradesh, after Noida and Ghaziabad.[97] According to a June 2011 report by US financial services firm Morgan Stanley gave Meerut the 5th spot on the "vibrancy" index, ahead of Delhi and Mumbai.[98] The city ranked second on both the financial penetration index, which measures things like the presence of ATMs and bank branches, and on the consumption index, indicating the city's transformation into an urban town. Notably, western Uttar Pradesh accounts for 51.71% of state GDP.[99]

While the city ranked in the bottom 10 in job creation, the report suggests that overall there are plenty of signs of "potential for urbanization" including future employment opportunities.[100] The infrastructure segment of Meerut is currently going through a boom phase with many new projects like Expressways, Metro, Freight corridors coming up in and around the city.[101][102] The Upper Ganga Canal Expressway development has also been completed. On the India City Competitiveness Index, the city ranked 46th in 2017.[103] It is India's largest refined sugar producer.[104]

Meerut is a prospective Logistic Hub in western Uttar Pradesh due to projects like Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and expressway projects like - Delhi Meerut Expressway, Ganga Expressway, Delhi Meerut RRTS.

Industry

[edit]
The cover of the book Sangeet Puranmal Ka (lit. The Music of Puranmal) by Ramlal. The book was published in 1879 from the city.

Meerut is one of the important industrial towns of western Uttar Pradesh with several traditional and modern industries.[64] It is traditionally known for handloom works and scissors industry (Meerut scissors).[105] Meerut was one of the first cities in northern India where publishing was set up during the 19th century. It was a major center of commercial publishing during the 1860s and 1870s.[106]

Meerut is a rich agricultural area, being in proximity of Delhi, it is ideal for industry. As of 2011, it is home to 520 micro, small, and medium-scale industries.[107] As of August 2006, Meerut has about 23,471 industrial units, including 15,510 small-scale units and 7,922 cottage industries.[108] Sanspareils Greenlands (SG), Sareen Sports (SS) and BDM one of India's biggest sports goods manufacturers are based out of Meerut.

Existing industries in the city include tyres, textiles, transformers, sugar, distillery, chemical, engineering, paper, publishing, and sports goods manufacturing.[105][109][107] Prospective industries include IT and ITES, Logistics.[110]

Meerut is one of two centres of sports goods manufacturing in India – the other being Jalandhar.[111] There are numerous sports companies in the city especially for cricket namely SS, SF, SG, RM Sports,[112] BDM, GEM etc. Players like MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Virat Kohli, Kumar Sangakkara and many others have used bats made in Meerut.[113] The 40,000-capacity Kailash Prakash Stadium is located in Meerut.

Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) has two industrial estates in the city, namely Partapur and Udyog Puram.[114][115]

Transport

[edit]

Road

[edit]
Delhi–Meerut Expressway
Delhi–Meerut Expressway

Meerut is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Haridwar, Bulandshahr, etc. A large number of people commute to Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad every day for work.[116]

Three national highways (NH-58, NH-119 & NH-235) and two expressways pass through Meerut. The Delhi–Meerut Expressway - a 90 km long controlled-access expressway connects Meerut with Delhi via Dasna in Ghaziabad district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the expressway on 31 December 2015, and the expressway was completed and opened for public on 1 April 2021, also an under construction Ganga Expressway.[117]

There are two main bus terminals, namely Bhainsali bus terminal and Sohrab Gate bus terminal from where Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses travel to cities all over the state and all nearby cities. A JNNURM scheme was put in place.[118] Low Floor city buses (under JNNURM),[119] normal city buses, auto rickshaws, and rickshaws are convenient public transport options to commute within the city.[120]

Many new transport infrastructure projects like the inner ring road, outer ring road and construction of new flyovers are proposed and being made as well.[121] The under-construction Ganga Expressway will start from Meerut till Allahabad, and in the future, it will be extended from Meerut to Haridwar. Other expressways that will pass nearby Meerut are the Upper Ganga Canal Expressway, Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun Expressway and Gorakhpur–Shamli Expressway.

Expressways

[edit]

Since Meerut has a very favourable location for industries and is suitable for being a logistics hub, it has many expressways like Delhi Meerut Expressway, Ganga Expressway. It also is nearby (within 30 miles) of other expressways like Delhi Mumbai Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, KMP Expressway, and Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Railways

[edit]

Meerut lies on the Delhi–Meerut–Saharanpur line,[122] and has four railway stations: Meerut City, Meerut Cantt., Partapur and Pabli Khas. Meerut City railway station is the busiest. The railway line between Delhi and Meerut was constructed in 1864,[51] and the Meerut Cantt station, which serves as a secondary railway station, was founded in 1865.

About 20,000 passengers travel daily to Delhi and back.[123] Around 27 pairs of trains run between Meerut and Delhi, and four between Meerut and Khurja. Two trains are available for Lucknow daily, namely Nauchandi Express and Rajya Rani Express. A weekly train goes to Chennai and Kochuveli. Daily trains connect Meerut to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Rajkot and many cities in other states.[citation needed]

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor

[edit]

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor or Eastern DFC is a broad gauge freight corridor in India. The railway will run between Ludhiana in Punjab and Dankuni (near Kolkata) in West Bengal via Meerut and Khurja in Uttar Pradesh.

Apart from this, Delhi Meerut RRTS (RapidX) will also be used for inter-city cargo movement. Vinay Kumar Singh, managing director of NCRTC said, "During non-peak hours, the ridership would be low, so we can use the time to move cargo, including perishable goods."[124]

Uttar Pradesh government has allocated land for building a large logistic hub in Modipuram region of Uttar Pradesh.[125]

Metro project

[edit]

On 30 December 2014, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the proposed metro rail project in Meerut, to boost the urban mass transport infrastructure in the city. The state government nominated RITES Limited and Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) to prepare the respective detailed project report (DPR) and as a coordinator, respectively. The development authorities are nodal agencies for the DPR.[126]

The metro project got approval from the divisional commissioner. It was decided in the meeting that the project would be along two corridors, by dividing the project into two phases – Phase I from Partapur to Pallavpuram, and Phase II from Rajban Market to Gokalpur village. The main stations on the first corridor in the first phase will be Partapur, Panchwati Enclave, Rithani, Rithani West, Shatabdi Nagar, Devlok, Madhavpuram, Meerut Railway Station Road, Lajpat Bazaar, Begampul, Gandhi Bagh, Lekha Nagar, Pallavpuram Dorli, Ansal City and Pallavpuram. While in the second phase, the corridor in the Partapur-Pallavpuram route will cover 20 km and will have a total number of 18 stations in between, the 10 km-long route from Rajban Market to Gokalpur village will have nine stations.[127]

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

[edit]
Meerut Metro trainset

The NCR Transport Plan 2021 proposed a rail-based mass transit system, called the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) between Delhi to Meerut, with the Shahdara-Ghaziabad section scheduled for construction during 2001-11, and the Ghaziabad-Meerut section scheduled for 2011–21.[128]

In September 2010, the RRTS was reported to be proposed between Anand Vihar and Meerut with the project in its initial stages. The cost was projected to be around 1,000 crore (US$120 million) with the expected time of the journey being 45 minutes.[129] In November 2010, the train speed was proposed to be between 130 and 160 kmph, with stations at Anand Vihar, Sahibabad, Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Moradnagar, Modinagar, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Meerut Centre, Begumpul, Meerut North, Pallavpuram being the stops.[130]

On 14 December 2010, the NCR Planning Board, Meerut Development Authority (MDA), and Meerut Municipal Corporation approved the project.[131] In August 2011, it was reported that the project tender had been awarded to Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS). The proposed system was to have dedicated trains between Anand Vihar and Meerut, with no stops in between, and trains that will stop at stations will be constructed after a gap of 4–5 km. The reported stations were Anand Vihar, Vaishali, Mohan Nagar, Meerut Road (Airtel Cut), Morta, Duhai, Muradnagar, Gang Nahar, Modinagar, Mohiuddinpur, Meerut Bypass Cut and Pallavpuram, with completion expected in 2017. The track between Anand Vihar to Dabur was proposed to be underground with the rest of the track overhead.[132]

On 11 July 2013, the Union Cabinet of India approved the formation of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTCL), with a seed capital of 100 crore (US$12 million). The corporation will take up the construction of the 90 km-long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor on a priority basis (along with two other corridors) with planned completion in 2016.[133] It was reported that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the three corridors were under the process of finalisation.[134]

In December 2013, problems were reported in the proposed alignment of the Delhi-Meerut corridor.[135] In January 2014, it was reported that the proposed alignment had to be changed due to objections by NHAI and the feasibility report had to be prepared again. The new proposed alignment increased the length from 90 km to 106 km.[136]

In March 2018, the project's construction was started after the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.[137] As of 2023, the alignment is 82 km (51 mi) long, and the 17 km first stretch, as the priority corridor, from Sahibabad to Duhai is almost completed, and will be opened by March 2023, while the next stretch till Meerut South will be completed by the first quarter of 2024. The entire corridor will be completed by March 2025.[138][139][140]

Air

[edit]

The nearest airport is Hindon Airport at Ghaziabad, located 64 km (40 mi) away, while the major airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi is about 100 km (62 mi) away.

The Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Airport is located at Partapur. It was proposed by the state government that the airstrip be converted to an international airport to reduce pressure on Delhi Airport.[141] However, plans to expand the Domestic airport were called off after protests against land acquisition started in other parts of the state.[142] Following an accident in May 2012, the city administration barred private flights from using the airstrip.[143]

The city has long demanded an airport. However, the government has stalled the project multiple times due to land acquisition reasons and project costs. Even Ajit Singh, the minister of civil aviation announced the project, but the project was not completed. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal met Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia ministerwho promised that the Ministry of Civil Aviation will begin running the airport as soon as the Uttar Pradesh government satisfied the demand for land. As of October 2023, the project is awaiting approval for land acquisition from Uttar Pradesh Government.[144]

Demographics

[edit]
Religions in Meerut City (2011)[145]
Religion Percent
Hinduism
61.15%
Islam
36.05%
Jainism
0.92%
Sikhism
0.60%
Christian
0.41%
Others†
0.96%
Distribution of religions
Includes Buddhists (<0.09%).

According to the 2011 census, the Meerut Urban Agglomeration (Meerut UA) has a population of around 1.42 million,[146] (comparable to the kingdom of Bahrain or Trinidad and Tobago) with the municipality contributing roughly 1.31 million of it.[5] The Meerut Urban Agglomeration consists of area falling under Meerut Municipal Corporation, Meerut Cantonment Board and four census towns of Sindhawali, Amehra Adipur, Aminagar Urf Bhurbaral and Mohiuddinpur.[147][148] This makes Meerut the 33rd most populous urban agglomeration and the 28th most populous city in India. The sex ratio in Meerut UA is 897, lower than the state average of 908; while the child sex ratio is 895, lower than the state average of 899. 12.99% of the population is under six years of age.[148] The overall literacy rate is 88.29%, higher than the state average of 69.72%.[146][149] In Meerut Municipal Corporation, 83.78% of the population spoke Hindi and 15.25% Urdu as their first language.[150]

As of 2017, Meerut ranks 328 (based on population), 189 (based on population density), 648 (based on built-up area) among the world's urban areas.[151]

According to the 2001 census, the city ranked second in terms of population in NCR[152] and 25th in India.[153]

Demographics of Meerut Metropolitan area (Meerut UA) (Census 2011, updated)[148]
Metropolis City/Town/Village[i] Population Sex Ratio Literacy Rate[ii]
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Meerut UA Meerut (CB) 53024 40288 93,312 760 87.99% 79.48% 84.33%
Meerut (M Corp.) 688118 617311 1,305,429 897 80.97% 69.79% 75.66%
Mohiuddinpur (CT) 2811 2389 5,200 850 89.17% 69.63% 80.13%
Aminagar Urf Bhurbaral (CT) 3314 2827 6,141 853 91.01% 69.68% 81.02%
Amehra Adipur (CT) 2844 2641 5,485 929 85.68% 68.05% 77.14%
Sindhawali (CT) 2782 2553 5,335 918 79.92% 64.44% 72.53%
Meerut UA - Total 752,893 668,009 1,420,902 887 81.57 % 70.36 % 76.28 %
  1. ^ M Corp. = Municipal Corporation, NP = Nagar panchayat, NPP = Nagar Palika Parishad, CB = Cantonment Board, CT = Census Town
  2. ^ For literacy rate, the population aged 7 and above only is considered in India.
Historical Population Statistics[31][51][154][b]
Year Male Female Total Growth
1847 NA NA 29,014
1853 NA NA 82,035 182.74%
1872 NA NA 81,386 -0.79%
1881 NA NA 99,565 22.34%
1891 NA NA 119,390 19.91%
1901 65,822 (55.53%) 52,717 (44.47%) 118,539 -0.71%
1911 66,542 (57.05%) 50,089 (42.95%) 116,631 -1.6%
1921 71,816 (58.57%) 50,793 (41.43%) 122,609 5.12%
1931 80,073 (58.57%) 56,636 (41.43%) 136,709 11.49%
1941 98,829 (58.38%) 70,461 (41.62%) 169,290 23.83%
1951 133,094 (57.08%) 100,089 (42.92%) 233,183 37.74%
1961 157,572 (55.48%) 126,425 (44.52%) 283,997 21.79%
  1. ^ Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation is divided into five zones: City Zone, Kavi Nagar Zone, Vijay Nagar Zone, Mohan Nagar Zone, and Vasundhara Zone.
  2. ^ Includes municipality and cantonment populations
Meerut Urban Agglomeration (Meerut UA) Population Statistics[a]
Year Male Female Total Growth rate Sex ratio[b]
2001[155] 621,481 (53.50%) 540,235 (46.50%) 1,161,716 NA NA
2011[6][148][c] 752,893 (52.99%) 668,009 (47.01%) 1,420,902 22.31% 887
  1. ^ For Meerut Urban Agglomeration, includes municipality and cantonment populations and 4 census towns of Sindhawali, Amehra Adipur, Aminagar Urf Bhurbaral and Mohiuddinpur.
  2. ^ In females per 1000 males
  3. ^ Provisional Data was revised and finalized when govt. updated 2011 census data on 20 May 2013.
Literacy Rate (Percentage)
Year Male Female Total
2001[156] 65.22 53.17 59.62
2011[148][6] 83.74 (+18.52) 72.19 (+19.02) 78.29 (+18.67)
2021[77][6] 95.24 (+11.5) 84.69 (+12.5) 90.29 (+12)
Crime Rate in Meerut (Total cognisable crimes under IPC per lakh population)
Year Rate in Meerut Rate in UP Rate in India
2011[157] 305.5 97.8 192.2
2012[158] 309.1 96.4 196.7
2013[159] 368.5 108.4 215.5
2014[160][161] 430.9 113.2 229.2
2015[162][163] 408.6 112.1 234.2

Culture

[edit]
Mustafa Castle was built in 1900.

Many traditional Indian festivals, including Holi, Dussehra, Diwali, Eid are celebrated in Meerut. Notably, the Nauchandi Mela (Nauchandi Fair), which began in 1672, is held annually two weeks after Holi.[164][165] The fair typically runs for approximately 15 days and attracts a large number of visitors. Events at the fair include poetry recitations in languages such as Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.[166]

Meerut serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Meerut, which encompasses the districts of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Dehradun, Haridwar, Moradabad, Rampur, Jyotiba Phule Nagar, Ghaziabad, Baghpat and the Dhampur tehsil of Bijnor district.[167]

The cuisine of Meerut reflects influences from Punjabi, Awadhi, and Mughlai traditions. Local dishes commonly associated with the city include much of the vegetarian dishes and sweets as most of the population is vegetarian.[30]

Nauchandi Mela

[edit]
One of the entrance gates of Nauchandi Mela ground at Meerut.

The Nauchandi Mela is an annual fair held at Nauchandi Ground in Meerut.[168][169] The fair stretches for about a month and is organized by the Municipal Corporation of Meerut. It generally starts from the second Sunday after Holi.[168] The main exhibits are the artistic and religious rituals followed in rustic Uttar Pradesh. The fair witnesses more than 50,000 visitors every year. The Indian Railways' Nauchandi Express train is named after this fair.

The fair has a prominent history dating back several hundreds of years. It started in the year 1672 AD as a one-day cattle trading fair and has been held every year after, excluding 1858, the year after 1857 revolt, which started from Meerut.[170]

Since then, cattle trading has been replaced by many other activities. The fair features shops for Lucknow's chikan work, Moradabad's brassware, Varanasi's carpets, rugs and silk sarees, Agra's footwear, Meerut's leather items, etc. Meerut's own products like sports goods, scissors, and confections like gajaks and nan-khatai are also sold.[169] The fair features rides, wheels, circus performances and recreational activities remain a big attraction of the fair.[171]

Film and television

[edit]

Meerut is home to a film industry, which has a following in western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The films are usually folk tales, comedies, or localised versions of Bollywood hits.[172] The films which have been shot here include Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Zero, and Rajma Chawal.

Notable people from Meerut in the film and television industry include Bharat Bhushan, Aziz Mian, Mandakini,[173] Achint Kaur,[174][175] Kailash Kher,[176] Chitrangada Singh,[175][177] Vishal Bhardwaj,[175] Deepti Bhatnagar[175][177][178] and Pravesh Rana.[179]

Education

[edit]
Chaudhary Charan Singh University (formerly Meerut University)

Meerut is an education hub of Western Uttar Pradesh with about four or five universities, approximately 50 engineering colleges, 23 management colleges, seven pharmacy colleges, four colleges offering hotel management, one college offering fashion design, over 150 academic colleges, and over 50 schools. The city is home to Chaudhary Charan Singh University (formerly Meerut University), Banda University of Agriculture and Technology (formerly Meerut University of Agriculture and Technology), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology and IIMT University (the oldest engineering institute in Meerut district, established in 1997). The city has one government-run engineering college, Sir Chhotu Ram Institute of Engineering and Technology, a constituent college of Chaudhary Charan Singh University. There are schools affiliated with recognized boards such as ICSE, CBSE, IB, and the state board. St. Mary's Academy, Meerut (a Patrician Brothers school) is a nationally top-ranked boys' school. St. John's Sr. Sec School (established by Begum Samru) which is over 130 years old, also the first IB school in Uttar Pradesh was Vidya Global School.

Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) is a public and state university that has many degree colleges affiliated with it. They fall into two divisions: Saharanpur and Meerut with nine districts including Saharanpur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Shamli, Gautam Budh Nagar, Bagpat, Hapur and Bulandshahr administered by Vice-Chancellor and Registrar (PCS officer). The Indian Film and Television Institute is located at the western bypass of the city. The city has three medical colleges: Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Subharti Medical College and Mulayam Singh Yadav Medical College & Hospital.

Notable schools

[edit]

Media

[edit]

Meerut is becoming a media centre, as journalists from all over Uttar Pradesh and other Indian states are working in Meerut. Radio stations shared with Delhi are Radio City 91.1 MHz, Big FM 92.7 MHz, Red FM 93.5 MHz, Radio One 94.3 MHz, Hit 95 (95 MHz), Radio Mirchi 98.3 MHz, AIR FM Rainbow 102.6 MHz, Meow FM 104.8 MHz, AIR FM Gold 106.4 MHz. Radio IIMT (90.4 MHz) is the only radio station located in the city. The Hindi-language daily newspapers Hindustan, Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Jagran,[180] Amar Ujala, Dainik Janwani, The Hindu, Rashtrasewa, Dainik Jagran iNext are published from the city. The English daily Times of India, Meerut edition[181] and the English language supplement HT City, Meerut with Hindustan Times is also published there. Moneymakers, an English daily is also published there. Asian Express, Hindi newspaper, and news magazine Citizen of the World are also published there.

Tourist destinations

[edit]
Ashtapad Jain temple, Hastinapur
Augarnath Temple at 2nd Navaratri night.
Statue of Mangal Pandey at Martyr's Memorial.

Tourist destinations in and around Meerut include the following:

  • Digamber Jain Bada Mandir Hastinapur – Located on the banks of the old ravine of the Ganges, it is considered one of the holiest places on earth by Jains. It is believed to be the birthplace of three Jain Tirthankaras. There are many ancient Jain temples in Hastinapur with the Digamber Jain Mandir, Jambudweep, Kailash Parvat Rachna, and Shwetambar Jain Temple being the most well known. Apart from Jain temples, the Pandeshwar temple, the Historical Gurdwara, and the Hastinapur Sanctuary are worth being seen.[182]
  • Government Freedom Struggle Museum and Shaheed Smarak (Martyr's Memorial) - Government Freedom Struggle Museum, Meerut was established in 1997. It is located in the Shaheed Smarak compound on Delhi Road, about 6 km north-east of the city railway station and at a distance of about 200 meters from the Delhi Bus Station. Visitors can stay in various guesthouses, private lodges, and hotels. The museum's main aim is the collection, preservation, documentation, and exhibition of cultural property and to make it available for educational activities as well as for the creation of awareness of Meerut's history. Some postal stamps, pictures, postcards, memorial coins related to the events of 1857, and later coins are also in the collection of the museum. The museum is in the developing stages and efforts are being made to collect more specimens. The museum organises educational programs such as lectures, seminars, and competitions related to history, culture, philosophy, the freedom struggle, and religion. It also aims to coordinate with other cultural and educational organizations for disseminating Indian culture, particularly the events related to the long-drawn freedom struggle of India.[183]
  • Shahi Jama Masjid – The Jama Masjid was built by Hasan Mahdi, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi's Wazir in 1019 AD (older than the Qutb Minar).[23][184] It is considered the first masjid in North India.[185] Although it was restored by Humayun,[23][184] it is one of the oldest mosques in India. Some believe that the first North Indian Mosque is Quwwat/Qubbat ul Islam in Delhi and then Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer.
  • St. John's Church – This church was established by Chaplain the Reverend Henry Fisher on behalf of the East India Company in 1819 in the cantonment area and was completed in 1822.[23][165] It is considered one of the oldest churches in North India. The Church was dedicated to the people by Bishop Wilson. It has a seating capacity of 10,000 people.[23] During the War of 1857, this church was the scene of heavy fighting between Indian and British forces.[186]
  • Augarnath Temple – This temple (also known as Kalipaltan Mandir locally) is located at the site where the soldiers of the War of 1857 planned their operations. The temple also houses a memorial built to honour the martyrs of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The old temple has been replaced by a modern version.[187] Augharnath Temple is also one of Shiva's oldest temples.[30]

Other places of interest include Mansa Devi Temple, Baleni, Basilica of Our Lady of Graces, Sardhana and the Chandi Devi Temple which was built by Holkar queen Devi Ahiliyabai Holkar.[23][25]

Notable people

[edit]

Indian Rebellion of 1857

[edit]

Films and music

[edit]

Politics

[edit]

Sports

[edit]

Scholars

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Meerut is a city and the administrative headquarters of in the western part of , , located approximately 70 kilometers northeast of in the region between the Ganga and rivers. An ancient settlement with evidence of Mauryan-era presence, including Buddhist relics and an Ashokan pillar originally sited there before relocation to , Meerut gained modern historical prominence as the origin point of the , where troops of the mutinied on 10 May against the British over grievances including the use of rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat incompatible with religious practices. As of the , Meerut's municipal population stood at 1,305,429, with the urban agglomeration encompassing over 1.4 million residents, reflecting steady growth driven by its proximity to the national capital and integration into the National Capital Region via infrastructure like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Regional Rapid Transit System. The city's economy centers on , producing crops such as , , and potatoes that support a significant portion of the local workforce, alongside manufacturing industries including textiles, sugar milling, engineering goods, , and , positioning Meerut as a key trade and industrial hub in . Meerut's cultural landscape features historical sites like the Nauchandi Fair, dedicated to Goddess , and remnants of colonial-era structures tied to the 1857 events, underscoring its blend of ancient heritage and pivotal role in India's path to independence, though its development has faced challenges from urban expansion and environmental pressures on agricultural lands.

Etymology

Historical and Linguistic Origins

The name Meerut is traditionally traced to the compound Maya-rāṣṭra (मयराष्ट्र), denoting the "land" or "kingdom of Maya," linked in to , the and father-in-law of as described in the . This etymology positions Meerut as the purported capital of Mayasura's domain, with some accounts claiming the land was granted to him by the king in gratitude for architectural services following the war. Such origins reflect oral and textual traditions preserved in regional lore, though they remain unverified by archaeological evidence and are best understood as legendary foundations rather than historical records. Linguistically, Maya-rāṣṭra underwent phonetic evolution in Indo-Aryan dialects of the Upper region, transitioning through intermediate forms like Mairaṣṭra, Mairāth, and Mirāth (मैराठ or मिराठ), influenced by simplifications and local vernacular shifts toward what became Hindustani. The modern spelling Meerut (or archaic Merath) emerged by the medieval period, as evidenced in Persian chronicles and Mughal-era documents, where it appears as a toponym for the fortified settlement. An alternative derivation from the records posits Mahi-rāṣṭra ("land of the buffalo," from mahi meaning buffalo), attributed to the area's economy dominated by buffalo herding in ancient times, though this lacks the mythological resonance of the narrative and is less commonly invoked. These etymologies highlight Meerut's deep roots in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab's cultural continuum, where toponyms adapted amid successive waves of migration and conquest, but primary sources like district gazetteers and official histories prioritize the Maya-rāṣṭra tradition without empirical substantiation beyond textual continuity.

History

Ancient and Early Periods

![Excavated mound at Hastinapur][float-right] The Meerut region exhibits evidence of ancient human activity traceable to the Indus Valley Civilization, with in identified as one of its easternmost settlements. Excavations at , conducted by the (ASI), have revealed artifacts including pottery, copper tools, terracotta figurines, and structural remains from the Late Harappan phase, dating approximately to 2000–1500 BCE. These findings indicate a culture with influences from the broader Harappan tradition, marked by mud-brick structures and evidence of craft production. Hastinapur, located within about 37 kilometers from Meerut city, features prominently in ancient Indian texts such as the as the capital of the Kuru kingdom. Archaeological investigations, including ASI excavations since the mid-20th century, have uncovered layers of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) pottery associated with the late Vedic or early , roughly 1100–800 BCE. These digs exposed mud-brick fortifications, terracotta artifacts, and iron tools, corroborating a prosperous settlement during this period, though direct linkage to epic narratives remains interpretive rather than empirically confirmed. Pottery from the 3rd century BCE has also surfaced, bridging to later phases. During the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE, the area saw advanced construction, as evidenced by a brick platform unearthed by the ASI in Meerut, featuring large baked bricks typical of imperial architecture. This structure, dated to around 2000 years ago, suggests administrative or commemorative use under Emperor Ashoka's rule. Furthermore, an Ashokan pillar bearing the emperor's edicts in was originally erected near Meerut before its relocation to by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century CE; ASI discoveries in 2021 of associated remains may indicate the pillar's foundational site.

Medieval Muslim Conquests and Rule

The Muslim conquest of Meerut occurred in the late as part of the Ghurid expansion into northern India following Muhammad Ghori's victory over at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Ghori's general and founder of the 's Mamluk dynasty, consolidated control by capturing Meerut along with nearby cities such as Bulandshahar and in 1193, establishing Muslim administrative oversight in the region. Under the , Meerut integrated into the broader imperial structure, experiencing periods of stability interspersed with disruptions from internal dynastic changes and external invasions. The city faced significant devastation during Timur's campaign in 1399, when the Central Asian conqueror sacked and destroyed Meerut after ravaging , leading to widespread destruction and in the region. Rebuilding efforts followed under subsequent sultans, including the and Lodi dynasties, with structures like the Bada of Kot Fort in Abdullapur constructed in the early , reflecting localized Muslim architectural influence during the Lodi era. The transition to Mughal rule after Babur's victory at in 1526 brought relative tranquility to Meerut, which became part of the suba of . During Akbar's reign (1556–1605), the city hosted a mint for copper coins, indicating economic integration and administrative development under centralized Mughal governance. This period marked socio-economic growth, with Meerut benefiting from the empire's agrarian policies and trade networks in the fertile Ganga-Yamuna , though it remained a peripheral outpost compared to .

Colonial Era and the 1857 Indian Rebellion

The established Meerut as a cantonment in 1803, following their victory at the Battle of Laswari against the Marathas, transforming it into a strategic in the . This development positioned Meerut as one of the largest stations in , housing European regiments alongside native units of the , which numbered several thousand troops by the mid-19th century. The cantonment's , including barracks and administrative buildings, supported British administrative control over the surrounding region, facilitating revenue collection and suppression of local unrest. Tensions escalated due to grievances among sepoys, including fears of religious defilement from the rumored use of cow and to grease Enfield rifle cartridges introduced in 1857, alongside broader resentments over British expansionist policies like the and cultural interference. On May 9, 1857, 85 sepoys of the 3rd Light Cavalry at Meerut were publicly stripped of uniform, court-martialed, and imprisoned for refusing to use the cartridges, an act witnessed by assembled regiments that fueled immediate outrage. The erupted on May 10, 1857, when sepoys from multiple units stormed the jail, freed the prisoners, and launched attacks on British officers and civilians; approximately 50 British military personnel and civilians were killed, including women and children, with the violence extending to the burning of bungalows and the city's jail. The rebels, numbering around 2,000-3,000, then marched 40 miles to , where they proclaimed the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II as leader, thereby igniting coordinated uprisings across northern and . British forces in Meerut, caught unprepared with only about 400 Europeans, offered limited resistance before the garrison was effectively overrun. In the rebellion's aftermath, British reinforcements recaptured Meerut by late May 1857, imposing harsh reprisals including summary executions and destruction of rebel-held sites, which contributed to the pacification of the but at the cost of thousands of Indian lives. The events at Meerut prompted the British Crown to assume direct control over India via the , dissolving the and reorganizing the army to reduce sepoy proportions and emphasize loyalty through and religious separations. Meerut's persisted as a key military base under colonial rule until Indian independence in 1947.

Post-Independence Era

After India's independence on August 15, 1947, Meerut was incorporated into the United Provinces, which was renamed in 1950. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 further affirmed its administrative alignment within , transitioning from its prior status under the United Provinces framework. This period marked the city's shift toward self-governance and economic diversification, building on its colonial-era military and agricultural base. Economic development accelerated with the expansion of small-scale industries, particularly in sports goods, musical instruments, and metalwork such as . By 2006, Meerut hosted approximately 23,471 industrial units, including 15,510 small-scale enterprises and 7,922 industries, establishing it as a key manufacturing hub in . The sports goods sector, which gained prominence post-independence, now comprises over 35,200 units employing more than 315,000 workers, contributing significantly to India's exports with Meerut accounting for about 45% of the national in this category. This growth reflects targeted industrial policies and the city's proximity to , fostering logistics and trade. Education infrastructure advanced notably with the establishment of Meerut University (later renamed ) in 1965 to address higher education needs in the region. The university introduced postgraduate programs by 1973 and expanded initiatives, supporting academic growth amid rising urbanization. However, the era was marred by recurrent Hindu-Muslim communal riots, including significant outbreaks in 1961, 1978, 1982, and the particularly violent 1987 events involving the , where institutional factors perpetuated cycles of violence despite economic progress. These incidents, often triggered by processions or disputes, resulted in hundreds of deaths and highlighted underlying social tensions in the city's diverse population. In recent decades, infrastructure improvements have bolstered connectivity and growth, with projects like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway inaugurated in 2021 enhancing links to the national capital. Meerut's integration into the National Capital Region has spurred further urbanization, though challenges such as uneven development and environmental strains persist. The city's role as an educational and industrial center continues, with ongoing efforts to quadruple its GDP through policy reforms and investment.

Geography

Location and Physical Features

Meerut is situated in the northwestern region of , , serving as the administrative headquarters of . The city lies at approximately 28°59′N latitude and 77°42′E longitude, positioning it within the Upper - , a fertile formed by the sediment deposits of the and river systems. This location places Meerut about 70 kilometers northeast of , facilitating its role as a key suburban hub in the National Capital Region. The terrain of Meerut is predominantly flat, characteristic of the northern upper Ganga plain, with no significant elevations or rocky outcrops; the ground consists of Pleistocene and sub-recent alluvial sediments deposited by river action, supporting intensive through fertile loamy soils. The district encompasses an area of 2,559 square kilometers, while the area of the city covers roughly 142 square kilometers, including the adjacent of 35.68 square kilometers. Drainage is provided by the , which forms part of the western boundary, and the River demarcates the eastern edge, separating Meerut district from and districts to the east. Elevations in Meerut average 225 meters above , contributing to a suited for networks that supplement the natural flows, though the region experiences seasonal flooding risks due to its low-lying alluvial nature. Neighboring districts include to the north, to the west, and Ghaziabad to the south, with the influencing the southwestern periphery. These physical attributes underpin Meerut's agricultural productivity, particularly in crops like and , sustained by the nutrient-rich soils and proximity to major basins.

Climate and Environmental Challenges

Meerut experiences a characterized by hot summers, a pronounced season, and mild winters. Average annual precipitation totals approximately 878 mm, with the majority occurring during the months of and , where records about 269 mm and 264.7 mm of rainfall. Summer temperatures peak from May to June, with daily highs often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and lows around 27°C (80°F), while winter highs in December to February average 21°C (70°F) and lows drop to 7°C (45°F). Air quality in Meerut frequently deteriorates to unhealthy levels due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal factors like burning. Historical data indicate periods of very poor air quality, such as an AQI of 215 (very unhealthy) at the start of , with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations often driving indices above 150. Recent monitoring shows AQI levels reaching 290 (poor) in October 2025, primarily from PM10 and PM2.5 particulates. Water resources face severe strain from depletion and . In the Ganga-Yamuna region encompassing Meerut, extraction rates exceed 100% of recharge in parts, exacerbated by water-intensive agriculture like and cultivation, leading to declining water tables and increased reliance on deeper borewells. The Kali River, flowing through the district, carries high levels of industrial effluents and untreated sewage, contaminating adjacent with and organic pollutants. River further compounds issues, with agricultural soils along its banks showing elevated nickel, , lead, and mercury beyond international standards, affecting and potable water sources. Traditional water bodies have largely vanished in urban Meerut, with all city ponds disappearing by 2016 due to encroachment and neglect, while rural losses approach 50%, intensifying scarcity during dry periods.

Demographics

As per the , the population of Meerut city was 1,305,429, while the urban agglomeration totaled 1,420,806 residents. The corresponding figure for was 3,443,689, with a of 1,346 persons per square kilometer. Between 2001 and 2011, the district recorded a decadal growth rate of 14.89%, below the 20.23% state average for , indicating a relative deceleration amid broader national trends toward lower fertility rates and improved access. Historical data for Meerut's reveal steady expansion from 124,197 residents in 1911 to 1,161,716 in 2001 and 1,424,908 in 2011, reflecting compound annual growth influenced by post-independence industrialization, agricultural productivity in the surrounding region, and inbound migration. This trajectory aligns with Uttar Pradesh's overall urban growth patterns, where mid-sized cities like Meerut benefited from infrastructure investments and economic spillovers from nearby , though rural-to-urban shifts have moderated since the due to saturation in local manufacturing sectors such as sports goods and metalwork.
Census YearUrban Agglomeration PopulationDecadal Growth Rate (%)
1911124,197-
20011,161,716-
20111,424,90822.6
Post-2011 estimates project continued but tempered expansion, with the metro area reaching approximately 1.875 million by 2025, driven by a projected annual growth of around 2% linked to National Capital Region integration and transport links like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Factors sustaining this include employment in the , educational institutions, and agro-processing, though challenges like and unplanned sprawl have constrained higher rates compared to earlier decades. The absence of a 2021 delays precise updates, but Uttar Pradesh's statewide growth projection of 1% annually suggests Meerut's urban trajectory remains above rural averages due to persistent net in-migration.

Religious, Linguistic, and Social Composition

According to the , comprise 61.15% of Meerut city's population, totaling approximately 1,030,423 individuals out of the city's 1,683,879 residents, while account for 36.05%, or about 607,117 ; , , Jains, Buddhists, and others constitute the remaining 2.8%. These figures reflect a historical Muslim presence in the region, dating to medieval settlements, though Hindu-majority areas predominate in rural outskirts. Minor religious communities, such as (around 1-2% in urban pockets due to military cantonment influences), maintain temples and gurdwaras but exert limited demographic weight. Linguistically, Hindi serves as the dominant mother tongue, reported by over 70% of residents, encompassing local dialects like Khari Boli and Kaurvi spoken in both urban and rural settings; follows as the second most common, aligning closely with the Muslim population at roughly 25-30%, used in madrasas, bazaars, and households. Other languages, including Punjabi (tied to Sikh traders and cantonment residents) and English (among educated urban elites), are spoken by less than 5% combined, with bilingualism in - prevalent due to shared Perso-Arabic script influences in Urdu. The 2011 Census's C-16 table for towns underscores this Indo-Aryan linguistic continuum, where mother-tongue reporting often aggregates dialects under , masking subdialectal variations but highlighting 's role in cultural expression like and commerce. Socially, Scheduled Castes (SC) form 16.2% of Meerut's population (about 272,800 people), primarily and subgroups engaged in urban labor and rural agriculture, while Scheduled Tribes (ST) are negligible at 0.2% (around 3,368), limited to nomadic or migrant groups like Banjaras. Among non-SC Hindus, (a landowning OBC community) hold socioeconomic influence in peri-urban farming and , comprising 7-10% district-wide, alongside Brahmins (upper , 10-12%) in administration and trade, and Gujjars (OBC pastoralists, 4-6%) in rural pockets; these estimates derive from electoral analyses cross-referenced with census aggregates, as direct caste censuses ceased post-1931. Muslim social layers include artisan Pasmanda groups and urban service castes, fostering community networks amid inter-group tensions over resources, though empirical data on intra-caste dynamics remains sparse beyond SC/ST metrics. Overall, intersects with and occupation, with Jats and Muslims pivotal in local power structures, evidenced by voting patterns in assembly elections.

Governance and Administration

Local and District Administration

The district administration of Meerut, a key unit within 's administrative framework, is headed by the District Magistrate (DM), an (IAS) officer appointed by the state government. The current DM is Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh. The DM oversees revenue administration, law and order coordination, judicial magistracy, and developmental schemes across the district's 18 tehsils and 2,182 villages, supported by a Chief Development Officer (CDO) for planning and implementation of government programs. The district falls under the , one of 18 divisions in , where a , currently Dr. Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod (IAS), supervises six districts including Meerut for inter-district coordination and appeals. Local urban governance in Meerut is primarily handled by the (MMC), constituted under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, to manage civic services for the city's approximately 1.4 million residents as of the 2011 census, with responsibilities encompassing , , , , and . The MMC is led by an elected , currently Harikant Ahluwalia of the (BJP), who won the position in the May 2023 municipal elections, alongside a , Saurabh Gangwar (IAS), who executes administrative functions and reports to the state urban development department. The corporation operates through 90 wards, each represented by elected corporators, and maintains committees for finance, health, and works to address local infrastructure needs like road maintenance and drainage systems.

Police and Law Enforcement

The Meerut Police, part of the , is responsible for maintaining , preventing crime, and ensuring communal harmony across , which encompasses the city and surrounding rural areas. The force operates under a commissionerate system established to enhance administrative efficiency in urban policing, with the Police Commissioner stationed at overseeing city operations, while the district-level Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) coordinates broader including rural outposts. The structure includes specialized units for traffic, , and anti-corruption, aligned with state-level directives from the . Meerut district features over 20 police stations, covering key areas such as Civil Lines, Delhi Gate, Bhrampuri, Nauchandi, Mawana, and rural stations like Daurala, Phalauda, and , enabling localized response to incidents ranging from theft and disputes to . These stations report to circle officers and additional SPs, with recent postings including officers focused on rapid complaint resolution and strengthening as of April 2025. The force emphasizes proactive measures, such as arrests in high-profile cases and encounters with wanted criminals, exemplified by the October 13, 2025, neutralization of Shahzad alias Nikki, a 35-year-old linked to multiple offenses, during a police operation. Challenges include managing urban-rural crime disparities and historical communal tensions, with the UP Police's mandate prioritizing social harmony amid Uttar Pradesh's overall crime rate of 335.3 per population in 2023, below the national average of 448.3. Enforcement efforts have involved lapses in past trials, leading to incidents like the 2018 killings of four witnesses in separate cases, underscoring ongoing needs for improved security protocols during judicial proceedings. Recent operations, including the August 2025 arrest of an eighth accused in an assault on an jawan at a toll plaza, demonstrate coordinated action against public safety threats.

Political Dynamics and Demands for Infrastructure

Meerut's political landscape is characterized by intense competition among major parties including the (BJP), (SP), and (BSP), with dynamics playing a pivotal role in electoral outcomes. The constituency, encompassing urban and rural segments with significant Jat, , and Muslim populations, has seen BJP dominance in recent elections, securing victories in 2009, 2014, and 2019 before a narrow win in 2024 when candidate defeated SP's Sunita Verma by 10,585 votes amid a shift in voter preferences away from the declining BSP. Local politics often revolves around communal tensions and alliances, as evidenced by Jat-led movements and opposition rallies in the region, which have pressured ruling parties to address agrarian and developmental grievances. Infrastructure deficiencies have emerged as a central political flashpoint, with and opposition leaders demanding accelerated development to bridge the gap with neighboring despite Meerut's strategic location in the National Capital Region (NCR). Persistent issues like inadequate roads, , and urban congestion have fueled criticism of past administrations, with a 2016 analysis highlighting political hurdles in achieving status amid thriving industries but limited connectivity. In response, the government under announced a ₹20,000 investment in May 2025 for urban transformation in Meerut, focusing on and liveability improvements, a move positioned as countering opposition narratives on neglect. Political discourse frequently ties these demands to broader NCR integration, including calls for expanded rail and road links to alleviate commuter burdens. Key demands center on enhancing transport corridors, with the Delhi-Meerut Regional System (RRTS), branded as , serving as a flagship project credited by the BJP for reducing travel times and spurring growth, though opposition parties have advocated for further extensions and integration with a proposed . The Delhi-Meerut Expressway's completion has similarly been leveraged in electoral campaigns to claim credit for economic upliftment, yet local leaders continue to press for additional flyovers, industrial corridors, and over 1,000 pending investment proposals, reflecting a where infrastructure pledges influence voter mobilization in this politically charged district. These dynamics underscore how parties balance arithmetic with tangible development deliverables to maintain support in Meerut's diverse electorate.

Military Significance

Cantonment History and Role in Conflicts

The Meerut was established by the British East India Company in 1803 following the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon, which ended hostilities with the Marathas and transferred control of the region to British authority. Spanning approximately 3,500 hectares, it rapidly developed into one of the largest and most strategically important military garrisons in northern , serving as a base for operations toward and . By 1806, permanent infrastructure including and barracks was under construction, solidifying its role as a divisional from 1829 onward. The cantonment's most pivotal role came during the , often regarded as the first war of independence. On May 9, 1857, 85 sepoys from the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry were publicly stripped of uniform and sentenced to 10 years' hard labor for refusing to use Enfield rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, offending Hindu and Muslim religious sensibilities. The following night, on May 10, the entire garrison of Indian troops—comprising the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry, 11th, and 20th regiments, totaling around 2,357 sepoys—mutinied, killing British officers, civilians, and missionaries, estimated at over deaths including women and children. The rebels freed prisoners, seized armories, and marched approximately 40 kilometers to by dawn, where they proclaimed Mughal Bahadur Shah II as leader, sparking a nationwide uprising that challenged British rule for nearly two years. Beyond 1857, the cantonment supported British campaigns in regional conflicts, including the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880), where units stationed there contributed to operations in northwest . As headquarters of the 7th ( until 1920, it played a part in , with troops from the garrison deploying to fronts such as the in 1914. In , soldiers from Meerut participated in key engagements including the Battles of (1942) and campaigns in , underscoring the cantonment's enduring logistical and manpower role in imperial defense. Post-independence, while retaining military significance, its historical conflicts primarily reflect British-era strategic priorities rather than independent 's operations.

Current Military Installations and Operations

The , established as one of India's largest permanent military stations, continues to function as a primary garrison and logistics hub for the in , encompassing areas from Pallavpuram to Sainik Vihar and Ganga Nagar. It supports administrative, maintenance, and training functions under the oversight of the Cantonment Board, with the Deputy ( Nikhil Deshpande as of recent records) serving as its president. Key installations include the 510 Army Base Workshop, operated by the Directorate General of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME), which specializes in the repair, overhaul, and maintenance of vehicles, telecom equipment, and other ordnance for army units. Support infrastructure extends to recruitment and personnel operations, with the Recruiting Office Meerut conducting phased Agniveer enlistment rallies for 2024-25, including examinations and physical tests to bolster and technical trades. The cantonment's facilities also accommodate field training areas linked to the Kharga (I Corps), facilitating large-scale maneuvers despite challenges from urban encroachments and civilian since the 1970s. Current operations emphasize peacetime readiness and technological integration, exemplified by the 'Prachand Shakti' demonstration held on July 14, 2025, at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area, which highlighted , precision strikes, and autonomous systems under the Army's 'Year of Tech Absorption' initiative. No active deployments originate from Meerut as of October 2025, with activities focused on sustainment, drives, and to maintain operational tempo for western sector contingencies.

Economy

Agricultural Foundations

, situated in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains between the Ganga and rivers, benefits from alluvial soils that form the foundation of its . These soils, predominantly sandy to with neutral and adequate clay content for and nutrient retention, support intensive cropping systems such as rice-wheat and sugarcane-wheat rotations. The temperate climate and proximity to major rivers have historically enabled reliable harvests, with the region's agrarian base predating modern industrialization and contributing to through surplus production. Irrigation infrastructure, including canal networks from the Upper Ganga Canal system, ensures nearly 100% of the net sown area in Meerut division is irrigated, mitigating rainfall variability and enabling multiple cropping cycles annually. This high irrigation coverage, coupled with increased agricultural electricity consumption from 479.07 kWh in 2014-15 to 814.20 kWh in 2019-20, has sustained yields despite challenges like soil erosion in some loamy areas. Sugarcane stands as a cornerstone , with Meerut occupying a prominent position in Uttar Pradesh's production, reflecting long-term trends in area expansion and yield fluctuations over the past two decades. Food crops, including (covering 81,622 hectares with production of 299,308 metric tons in recent ), dominate over 85% of the gross sown area, underscoring agriculture's as the district's foundational sector despite a declining share in Uttar Pradesh's from 2.8% in 2017-18 to 2.2% in 2020-21. Other significant crops include and mustard (4,118 hectares, 5,392 metric tons), alongside like brinjal, , and peas, which bolster local food security and rural livelihoods.

Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

Meerut's manufacturing sector is dominated by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with clusters specializing in traditional handicrafts and light products. Major industries include sports goods, , textiles, and wooden beads, , artificial jewelry, and electrical transformers. The city is particularly noted for its production of high-quality , often exported as "Meerut scissors," and cricket protective equipment, alongside cloth, musical instruments, garments, tools, and gold jewelry. As of August 2006, the district registered approximately 23,471 industrial units, including 15,510 small-scale enterprises and 7,922 cottage industries, reflecting a focus on labor-intensive . Prominent larger-scale operations encompass textiles, tyres, sugar mills, transformer , chemicals, distilleries, paper production, engineering goods, , and houses. These sectors leverage local skills in and assembly, contributing to export-oriented clusters under national initiatives like Districts as Export Hubs. Recent developments aim to expand organized manufacturing capacity. In October 2025, layout planning commenced for the Meerut Industrial Corridor, designating zones for production units, logistics, and supporting infrastructure to draw investor commitments. Separately, in November 2024, 83 acres of government land in Sardhana tehsil's Khiwai and Khedi Kala villages were earmarked for industrial projects, targeting enhanced manufacturing output amid Uttar Pradesh's broader push for MSME growth. These efforts address environmental concerns in existing clusters, such as air pollution from non-conforming MSME units producing scissors and sports goods.

Recent Growth and Development Initiatives

The government has committed ₹20,000 to Meerut's urban transformation under a comprehensive roadmap, including 93 projects valued at ₹18,262 targeting enhanced public spaces, connectivity, , and . These efforts align with the Meerut Master Plan 2031 and Integrated , emphasizing , improved transportation, and economic hubs for , sports, culture, and business. A flagship initiative is the integration of (TOD) zones into the 2031 Master Plan, marking Meerut as India's first city to do so, spanning 3,273 hectares along the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor to promote growth, financing, and sustainable urban expansion. This includes the 350-hectare New Meerut Township near Meerut South RRTS station, alongside a 50-hectare integrated TOD township on Hapur Bypass, designed to boost residential, commercial, and mixed-use opportunities while reducing congestion. Infrastructure projects driving economic momentum include the , 89% complete as of August 2025 and slated for Phase I completion by November 2025, linking Meerut to over 594 km to cut travel time from over 10 hours to 6 hours and spur industrial and trade growth. Meerut's connectivity via nine expressways further positions it as a logistics and manufacturing hub. Additional developments encompass the for traffic decongestion, with land acquisition underway since March 2025, and Uttar Pradesh's first 2.15 km green road project under implementation. Over 25 state-led projects in 2025, including a sports university and expanded , aim to elevate Meerut's GDP from ₹67,000 in 2023-24 toward ₹200,000 by 2029-30.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Road Networks and Expressways

Meerut's road infrastructure centers on National Highway 34 (NH-34), a primary corridor spanning 1,426 kilometers that links the city southward to Delhi via Ghaziabad and Modinagar, and northward toward Roorkee in Uttarakhand. This highway, previously incorporating segments of the old NH-58, facilitates heavy vehicular traffic and freight movement, with recent widening efforts enhancing capacity in urban stretches. The city's overall road density stands at 7.01 kilometers per square kilometer, with roadways occupying 7.76% of the total urban area, supporting connectivity to surrounding districts like Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar. The -Meerut Expressway, designated as National Expressway 3, represents a critical upgrade, stretching 96 kilometers from Delhi's Nizamuddin Bridge to Partapur near Meerut with configurations of 6 to 14 lanes across four sections. Fully operational since April 1, 2021, at an estimated cost of Rs 8,000-9,000 crore, it includes 14 bridges, 4.66 kilometers of elevated roads, and integrates with NH-9 and NH-34 for seamless access. Travel time between Delhi and Meerut has been reduced from over two hours to approximately 45 minutes, boosting economic ties and along the route. Complementary projects address intra-city congestion, including the proposed to divert through-traffic and ongoing widening of the Bijli Bamba . Meerut also interfaces with under-construction expressways like the (594 kilometers to ) and planned routes such as Meerut-Kanpur Expressway, positioning it as a nascent hub for nine regional expressway connections. These developments aim to mitigate bottlenecks on legacy highways like NH-34, where peak-hour delays persist due to mixed traffic and urban encroachments.

Rail Systems and Freight Corridors

Meerut City Junction (MTC) serves as the principal railway station in Meerut, functioning as a junction on the Delhi-Meerut-Saharanpur broad-gauge line and connecting to the Meerut-Bulandshahr-Khurja route, facilitating passenger and goods traffic toward northern and eastern . The station, under the , handles multiple daily departures and is part of ongoing modernization efforts, including allocations of Rs. 2,216 crores in the 2025 budget for infrastructure upgrades. Adjacent Meerut Cantt (MUT) station supports regional connectivity, particularly for cantonment areas, with electrification enhancements improving operational reliability across both facilities. The city's rail network has seen significant electrification progress, with the 132 km Meerut-Nazibabad section completed in August 2025 at a cost of . 19.5 billion, enabling electric traction for faster and more efficient services that benefit freight movement alongside passenger trains. This upgrade aligns with broader Northern Railway initiatives to reduce transit times and energy costs on key corridors linking Meerut to industrial hubs. For freight, Meerut benefits from the (EDFC), a 1,856 km electrified double-track line spanning in to in , which traverses the district and integrates with existing rail infrastructure to handle high-volume cargo such as , , and agricultural goods. The EDFC's passage through Meerut, including crossings in areas like Mohiuddinpur, positions the city as a potential major node, with state plans for dedicated parks to capitalize on reduced congestion and faster turnaround times compared to mixed-traffic lines. These developments aim to enhance efficiency, though full operational impacts depend on nationwide EDFC commissioning.

Emerging Urban Transit Projects

![Namo Bharat Train on RRTS][float-right] The Delhi–Meerut Regional System (RRTS), branded as , represents the primary emerging urban transit initiative for Meerut, forming an 82.15 km semi-high-speed rail corridor linking the city to via Ghaziabad. Designed for operational speeds up to 160 km/h and maximum speeds of 180 km/h, the system aims to reduce travel time between and Meerut to under 60 minutes, enhancing regional connectivity and alleviating road congestion on the -Meerut corridor. As of September 2025, 55 km of the corridor is operational, spanning from New Ashok Nagar in to Meerut South with 11 stations, following successful trials on the Meerut extension. The full 82 km corridor, including remaining sections like station in , is slated for completion by October 2025, with ongoing commissioning efforts supported by a $299 million loan tranche from the approved in early October 2025. This project, executed by the (NCRTC), incorporates multimodal integration with existing metro and rail networks, fostering efficient urban mobility in Meerut through dedicated stations such as Meerut South, Meerut Central, and Modipuram. In Meerut, the RRTS facilitates last-mile connectivity via planned bus feeders and non-motorized transport links, aiming to increase from 37% on the route. Complementing the RRTS, the project is under construction as a local urban mass rapid transit system to address intra-city congestion, with potential infrastructure sharing including tracks and unified ticketing with for seamless transfers. Estimated to enhance mobility within Meerut's dense urban fabric, this initiative builds on frameworks but remains in early phases relative to the advanced RRTS rollout. These developments position Meerut for integrated transit growth, prioritizing high-capacity rail over traditional bus systems to support population pressures and economic expansion in the National Capital Region.

Air Connectivity

Meerut lacks a fully operational commercial airport and relies primarily on nearby facilities for air travel. The closest major is () in , situated approximately 77 kilometers southeast of the city, serving as the main gateway for domestic and international flights. (HDO), a military airfield with emerging civilian operations located about 47 kilometers away in Ghaziabad, provides additional regional access; began services there in January 2025, benefiting passengers from including Meerut. The city features the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Airstrip (also known as Meerut Airport), an existing facility spanning 47 acres at Partapur, roughly 9 kilometers south of Meerut city center. This asphalt-surfaced , oriented 11/29 and measuring 5,124 feet (1,562 meters) in length at an elevation of 732 feet (223 meters) above mean , currently supports limited non-commercial aviation but lacks scheduled passenger services. Development efforts aim to upgrade the airstrip into a functional under the (AAI). In March 2025, the Indian government outlined a phased plan, with the initial phase targeting operations for 3C-category , followed by expansions for larger planes. By 2025, land acquisition progressed on 96 acres of land, with runway enhancements enabling 72-seater such as the ATR-72; officials anticipate initial flights in this category to boost regional connectivity and . An earlier between the government and AAI envisioned potential international status, though implementation focuses first on domestic viability. These initiatives align with broader scheme goals for underserved regions, though no operational timeline for full commercial service has been confirmed as of October 2025.

Culture and Society

Traditional Festivals and Fairs

The stands as Meerut's premier traditional fair, commencing annually on the second Sunday after and spanning roughly one month. Covering approximately 4 square kilometers, it draws crowds with pathways lined by stalls vending handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and regional foods, complemented by amusement attractions like giant wheels, games, and live cultural shows. Originating in 1672 as a trading venue—possibly tied to British revenue practices or local legends such as a temple erected by , Ravana's wife—the event evolved into a vibrant expression of communal and heritage, enduring through colonial times with displays of . The Sardhana Christian Fair, held on the of November, honors the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces in , a town within . This gathering attracts interfaith pilgrims for a feast featuring amid an Indian-style , emphasizing and shared festivities. Additional local fairs include the Boodha Baboo Mela, a religious event typically scheduled from mid-June to mid-July, organized via community boards to manage costs through sponsorships while fostering participation. These gatherings underscore Meerut's blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian traditions, though participation varies annually based on administrative coordination.

Media, Film, and Entertainment

Meerut's media landscape encompasses print, electronic, and digital outlets, with coverage from both national publications and local entities. Major Hindi newspapers like maintain a dedicated Meerut edition, focusing on regional , , and daily events. National dailies such as Times of India provide Meerut-specific reporting on , , and developments. Local agencies, including Sharma News Agency and Hira Times, distribute content to broader networks, though their reach remains primarily regional. Electronic media in Meerut includes local television channels like City Halchal, News One Satellite News Channel, and Meerut Darshan, which broadcast regional news, community updates, and entertainment programming. Radio stations, integrated into the city's media ecosystem due to its proximity to Delhi, feature local content alongside national broadcasts, though specific frequencies are dominated by All India Radio affiliates. Digital platforms amplify these outlets, with social media and online portals extending coverage of local incidents. The city's film sector features a small regional industry dubbed "Mollywood," producing rural-themed movies in local dialects to preserve cultural narratives, with productions often low-budget and community-oriented since the early 2010s. Historical single-screen theaters, such as Jagat Palace established in 1928, once anchored local cinema but have largely declined amid the shift to multiplexes like Wave Cinemas, which screen Bollywood and regional films. Meerut hosts the , billed as the world's largest traveling film event, with editions in 2025 at Wave Cinemas featuring screenings, panels, and celebrity appearances, including sessions on October 3–5 and February 7–9. Entertainment events draw crowds for promotional activities, such as the September 2025 trailer launch of Jolly LLB 3 attended by actors , , and , highlighting Meerut's occasional role in Bollywood marketing. Institutions like the School of Media, Film & Television Studies at IIMT University offer programs in and , fostering local talent amid limited production infrastructure. Overall, entertainment remains tied to periodic festivals and cinema outings rather than a robust industry hub.

Sports and Community Life

Meerut is recognized as the "Sports City of India" due to its extensive manufacturing of sports goods, including bats, hockey sticks, and other equipment, which supports national and international demand. The city hosts national-level competitions in , hockey, and football, with Victoria Park Stadium serving as a key venue for matches and other domestic events since the 1990s. The establishment of Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University in Salawa, Meerut, in recent years marks it as Uttar Pradesh's first dedicated sports institution, offering training across multiple disciplines to nurture athletic talent. Local facilities include multi-sport arenas like Sportify Sports Arena and 23 Sports & Entertainment, which provide grounds for , football, and , alongside private academies focused on youth development. Traditional kushti wrestling remains integral to community sports culture, practiced in akharas and clubs such as Dhola Pahlwan Kushti Academy and Wrestle Square, where participants train in mud pits under local gurus, emphasizing discipline and physical prowess. Kabaddi also enjoys popularity in western Uttar Pradesh, with inter-village tournaments drawing enthusiastic local participation. Community life integrates sports through clubs like the Boat Club, Banga Nagar Sports Club, and Alexander Athletic Club, which offer recreational outlets for billiards, snooker, football, and team games, promoting social interaction across age groups. Events such as the Meerut Khel Mahotsav feature competitive matches and fitness drives, while broader activities include music and dance classes prevalent throughout neighborhoods, alongside annual gatherings like the Meerut Mahotsav (December 21–25), which combines cultural performances, food stalls, and athletic displays to strengthen communal ties. Community-driven initiatives, including walkathons by groups like Meerut Roundtable, further engage residents in health-focused events that blend exercise with philanthropy.

Education

Primary and Secondary Institutions

Primary and secondary education in Meerut is delivered through a mix of government-run, aided, and private institutions, primarily affiliated with the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, CBSE, and CISCE. The district hosts over 1,500 schools serving urban and rural populations, with government schools emphasizing free and compulsory education up to age 14 under the Right to Education Act. Enrollment in primary and upper primary levels aligns with state trends, though specific city-level data shows steady participation amid infrastructure expansions like new anganwadi-integrated primary schools. Government institutions include primary schools under the Basic Shiksha Parishad and secondary inter colleges such as Government Girls Inter College in Madhavapuram and Kithore, which provide up to Class 12 for girls with a focus on state board . Kendriya Vidyalayas, like those at AFS Chandinagar and Dogra Lines, operate as schools offering CBSE to children of defense personnel and civilians, emphasizing standardized testing and extracurriculars. Army Public Meerut similarly caters to families with co-educational CBSE-affiliated programs from primary to senior secondary. Private schools dominate higher-rated options, with CBSE-affiliated institutions like Dayawati Modi Academy in Modipuram providing English-medium senior secondary education to co-ed students, known for academic rigor and facilities. Meerut Public School and Dewan Public School offer similar CBSE programs, incorporating modern and sports. For ICSE, St. Mary's Academy and Sophia Girls' School provide girls-only or co-ed instruction up to secondary levels, stressing holistic development. These private entities often charge fees ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 annually, contrasting with free government access, though quality varies with private schools generally reporting higher board exam pass rates above 90%.

Higher Education and Research Centers

(CCSU), established in 1965 as Meerut University and renamed in 1991, serves as the primary public state university in Meerut, , offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across , sciences, , , and . Accredited with an A++ grade by the (NAAC), CCSU affiliates over 800 colleges in and maintains departments focused on research in fields like and . The university's campus spans 222 acres and supports initiatives such as online yoga events recognized by in June 2024. Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU), a private institution founded in 2008 under the Buddhist Religious and Charitable Trust, provides multidisciplinary programs including , , dental sciences, , and , with NAAC A accreditation and UGC recognition. SVSU emphasizes through its Central and Incubation , which facilitates faculty and student projects, clinical trials, and innovation in health sciences as of May 2025. The university operates a 20+ department structure and offers distance education via its dedicated center. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), established to advance and , hosts the Fisheries Research and Training Centre, which conducts studies on and fish production techniques in the region. SVPUAT integrates higher education with practical training in veterinary sciences, , and related disciplines, contributing to Uttar Pradesh's agricultural sector development. The Central Institute for Research on Cattle (CIRC), an (ICAR) facility located in Meerut , specializes in indigenous cattle improvement, genetic , and , operational since its integration into ICAR networks. Additional specialized centers, such as the IIMT Research Centre for , Vedic Sciences, and Indigenous Knowledge at local engineering institutes, focus on and herbal across 31 departments. These institutions collectively position Meerut as an emerging hub for applied in agriculture, health, and technology within the National Capital Region.

Tourism and Landmarks

Historical Monuments

Meerut features several historical monuments tied to pivotal events in Indian history, including the Rebellion of 1857 and Mughal-era constructions. These structures provide tangible links to the city's role as a military cantonment under British rule and its deeper ancient associations. Key sites include temples, churches, mausoleums, and forts that reflect diverse architectural influences from ancient legends to colonial periods. The Kali Paltan Mandir, also known as Augarnath Temple, stands as a central monument linked to the outset of the 1857 Rebellion. On May 9, 1857, Indian stationed in Meerut's gathered at the temple's well to plan their uprising against British authorities, marking the revolt's ignition after 85 soldiers were court-martialed for refusing greased cartridges. The site originally housed a Shivalinga unearthed in 1844, with the current temple complex expanded in 1968, though its historical well and grounds preserve the 19th-century context of sepoy discontent. St. John's Church, constructed between 1819 and 1821 by the , represents early colonial architecture in northern as the region's oldest surviving church. Built to serve the British military community in Meerut's , it accommodated up to 3,000 worshippers and features Gothic elements blended with practical colonial design, including an upper once used for segregated seating. The structure endured the 1857 violence, closing briefly during the revolt before resuming operations. The Shahpeer Sahab ki , a Mughal mausoleum erected in 1628 by Empress , honors the local Sufi saint Hazrat Shahpeer and exemplifies with red sandstone pillars and an open-air design. Located near Suraj Kund, it draws pilgrims for its spiritual legacy and architectural uniqueness among northern India's early 17th-century tombs. Fort, situated 23 kilometers from Meerut city center, traces its origins to ancient fortifications legendarily attributed to King of the era, with 18th-century restorations by local ruler Raja Nain Singh. The site's ruins, including embattled walls and a temple, evoke prehistoric defensive structures on a , underscoring Meerut's ties to epic narratives despite limited archaeological verification. The Shahid Smarak, established in 1997 as a memorial to the revolutionaries, encompasses a on Delhi Road displaying artifacts from the rebellion's Meerut phase, including weapons and documents. This site commemorates the martyrs executed post-uprising and serves as an educational hub on the event's local dynamics, such as the initial sepoy mutiny on May 10, .

Religious and Cultural Sites

The Augarnath Temple, locally known as Kali Paltan Mandir or Augharnath Mandir, stands as Meerut's foremost Hindu shrine dedicated to , featuring a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga. Established as one of the city's oldest temples, it gained prominence during the 1857 Indian Rebellion when revolutionaries convened there before the uprising began on May 10. The temple complex includes intricate architecture and attracts devotees especially during festivals like Maha Shivratri. Shahi , a historic dating to the , was constructed by Nasiruddin Mahmud, the youngest son of Sultan Iltutmish of the . This expansive prayer ground and , spanning several acres, exemplifies early in the region and serves as a key site for , drawing large Muslim congregations. Its construction around 1360 CE underscores Meerut's medieval Islamic heritage amid Hindu-majority surroundings. Jama Masjid, recognized as one of India's earliest mosques, was built in 1019 CE by Hasan Mahmudi, a minister under , marking the introduction of Islamic worship in Meerut following Ghaznavid incursions. The structure features traditional Mughal-era elements and remains a central place for daily prayers and congregations, reflecting the city's layered religious . Other notable religious sites include St. John's Church in the cantonment area, a colonial-era Anglican structure from the British period symbolizing Christian presence established in the , and Shahpeer Sahab Ki Dargah, a Sufi honoring a local saint, which fosters interfaith cultural exchange through sessions and observances. These sites collectively highlight Meerut's diverse religious fabric, blending Hindu, Islamic, and Christian elements shaped by historical conquests and colonial rule.

Conflicts and Controversies

Communal Riots and Tensions

Meerut has a history of recurrent communal violence primarily between Hindu and Muslim communities, often triggered by religious processions, festivals, or political mobilizations, with incidents dating back to the post-independence period. Scholarly analysis describes an "institutionalised riot system" in the city, involving local political actors, police inaction or bias, and patterns of targeted violence against Muslim neighborhoods, which evolved to become more efficient and deadly over time. Major outbreaks occurred in 1961, serving as a benchmark for subsequent violence where police reportedly allowed Hindu militants free rein against Muslims; in 1982, during a period of political agitation, resulting in approximately 100 deaths; and most notably in 1987, amid escalating tensions over the Babri Masjid dispute. The 1982 riots, the fifth major clash in two decades, unfolded in late October amid disputes that escalated into widespread and killings, with reports indicating heavy and a toll around 100, predominantly in Muslim areas. was imposed, and central forces were deployed, arresting instigators described as outsiders inciting the violence. The 1987 riots began on April 14 during the Nauchandi fair, with clashes killing at least 12, but intensified from May 18 in Muslim-majority areas like Hashimpura, leading to over 100 deaths overall in the ensuing weeks. On , personnel rounded up and executed 42 Muslim men from Hashimpura, dumping their bodies in canals, an act confirmed in judicial proceedings despite initial acquittals in 2015; convictions with life sentences followed in 2018. The violence spilled to Malyana village on May 23, where 72 Muslims were massacred by mobs, allegedly with police complicity. Indefinite curfews and deployment failed to prevent the destruction of over 350 shops and multiple petrol pumps in initial phases. Tensions have persisted into recent years, with clashes during celebrations on March 5, 2023, involving stone-pelting between communities, and another incident on August 25, 2024, injuring 12 people including a pregnant woman, prompting arrests. These events reflect ongoing friction in mixed neighborhoods, though on a smaller scale than historical , amid broader declines in riot intensity noted in some analyses. Reports from groups and media highlight repeated allegations of police bias favoring Hindu groups, contributing to distrust and cycles of retaliation.

Political and Social Unrest Incidents

The Meerut mutiny on May 10, 1857, initiated the Indian Rebellion against British East India Company rule, stemming from sepoy grievances over rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim soldiers. Eighty-five sepoys were court-martialed and imprisoned for refusal, sparking a mutiny the next day where troops freed prisoners, killed British officers and civilians—estimated at 50 Europeans—and seized the arsenal before advancing to Delhi to proclaim Bahadur Shah II as emperor. In December 2019, protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act escalated into violence in Meerut, resulting in five deaths from police firing amid clashes involving stone-pelting and . Officials reported the deceased as rioters, while families alleged targeted extrajudicial killings of Muslim protesters, with no filed against police despite eyewitness accounts of unprovoked shots; investigations stalled, reflecting state government reluctance under Chief Minister to probe security forces. Farmer unrest in Meerut intensified during 2020-2021 protests against farm laws, with thousands joining marches and rallies, causing traffic disruptions on the -Meerut Expressway; solidarity actions continued into 2024, including halted marches to and localized demonstrations without reported fatalities but highlighting agrarian discontent over minimum support prices and corporate entry. In October 2025, a parking dispute near Tejgarhi escalated when expelled BJP leader Chaprana and associates forced trader Satyam to rub his nose on the road, captured on video, prompting his suspension and re-arrest; the incident underscored local political muscle-flexing amid intra-party frictions. Earlier, unidentified assailants fired shots and hurled a grenade at BJP MLA Sangeet Som's residence in Meerut on an unspecified early morning in recent years, amid his history of involvement in regional tensions, though no arrests followed immediately.

Notable People

Leaders in the 1857 Rebellion

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 ignited in Meerut on May 10, 1857, when approximately 85 troopers from the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry, convicted by court-martial to 10 years' hard labor for refusing to use Enfield rifle cartridges believed to be greased with cow and pig fat, were rescued by fellow sepoys who then mutinied against British authority. This action rapidly escalated as elements of the 11th and 20th Bengal Native Infantry joined, leading to attacks on the European cantonment, the jail, and the treasury, resulting in the deaths of British officers, civilians, and their families. Unlike rebellions in Kanpur or Jhansi led by princely figures, the Meerut outbreak lacked a singular charismatic leader and was propelled by collective sepoy discontent, with native officers and troopers coordinating the initial assault and subsequent march of about 2,000-3,000 rebels toward Delhi to proclaim Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II as their sovereign. Local civil functionaries, including an unnamed , reportedly incited the sepoys by spreading rumors of British plans for to , contributing to the spark but not assuming formal command. In the surrounding , particularly , chieftain Rao Kadam Singh (also known as Kuddum Singh) emerged as a notable leader, rallying villagers to expel , seize arms, and support the mutineers with a force estimated at several thousand, though his efforts were eventually suppressed by British reprisals. British accounts post-rebellion identified and executed numerous local participants deemed ringleaders, including Hindu figures like Dhokul Sing, a Jat from Meerut, and Gunga Sahai, a , alongside Muslim rebels such as Hyder Buksh, reflecting the diverse and community involvement but highlighting the absence of a unified command structure in the itself. The rapid suppression of resistance in Meerut proper, with British forces regaining control by May 20 after reinforcements from , limited the emergence of enduring local leadership, as many mutineers fled or were captured and tried en masse.

Political and Administrative Figures

Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902–1987), born on December 23, 1902, in Noorpur village within , served as the fifth from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980, leading a coalition government focused on agrarian reforms and peasant interests. A key figure in politics, he was elected to the United Provinces Legislative Assembly in 1937 from the Chhaprauli constituency in and later held ministerial positions in state governments, advocating for land redistribution and rural development policies rooted in his Jat farming background. Singh's political career began with involvement in the and activities in Meerut and Ghaziabad districts, where he organized anti-zamindari movements and faced imprisonment during the independence struggle. Satya Pal Malik (1946–2025), born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village in (later part of district), emerged as a prominent politician after leading student unions at Meerut College and in the 1960s, initially aligned with socialist ideologies. He served as Governor of (2017–2018), (2018), (2019), and Jammu and Kashmir (2018–2019), during which he publicly criticized central government handling of security issues in and farmer protests against agricultural laws in 2020–2021. Malik's career included multiple party affiliations, from to BJP and later , reflecting shifts driven by agrarian and regional concerns; he passed away on August 5, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Rajendra Agrawal, born October 2, 1951, in (formerly part of ), represented the as a MP for three terms from 1996 to 2009 and again from 2014 to 2019, focusing on and industrial development in . Kunwar Mahmud Ali Khan (1920–unknown), born June 16, 1920, in Jogipura village, Meerut, served as a and advocate, contributing to local agricultural and legal reforms in the mid-20th century. These figures highlight Meerut's role in producing leaders emphasizing rural and regional priorities amid India's federal political dynamics.

Sports and Cultural Icons

, born on 5 February 1990 in Meerut, is a prominent n cricketer specializing in . He has played for the Indian national team across all formats, capturing over 150 international wickets, including notable performances in the where won the title. Praveen Kumar, born on 2 October 1986 in Meerut, is another key figure in Indian cricket, known as a right-arm medium-pace bowler who debuted for in 2007 and contributed to victories like the . In athletics, , hailing from Bahadurpur village in Meerut, has emerged as a leading javelin thrower, securing gold at the 2023 Asian Games and qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics after crafting her early training equipment from local bamboo due to resource constraints. , also from Meerut, gained international acclaim as a shooter in the 10-meter air pistol event, becoming India's youngest gold medalist at the at age 16 and earning multiple medals. Garima Chaudhary, born on 2 April 1990 in Meerut, represents the city in , competing at national and international levels including the Asian Championships. , a wrestler from Meerut, achieved prominence in the early 2010s by winning medals in international competitions, including Commonwealth Wrestling Championships, during the same era as other pioneering Indian female wrestlers. Meerut's contributions to sports extend to its tradition of producing athletes across disciplines, bolstered by local training facilities and a culture of rooted in akharas, though documented cultural icons in arts or music remain less prominent compared to sports figures.

Scholars and Innovators

, born in Meerut, is a bioengineer and associate professor at , renowned for developing the Foldscope, an affordable paper-based microscope that democratizes microscopy for global health and education applications. His innovations extend to low-cost scientific tools addressing challenges in diagnostics and environmental monitoring, earning recognition such as the MacArthur Fellowship for fostering frugal science approaches. Raju Tomer, a Meerut native and associate professor of biological sciences at , pioneered projected light sheet microscopy, a cost-effective 3D under $10,000 that enables high-resolution analysis of cancer tissues and organoids, advancing precision and research. This method integrates optical and computational techniques to visualize complex biological structures without the expense of traditional systems, facilitating broader accessibility in biomedical studies. Suresh Kumar Bhargava, originating from Meerut, serves as a distinguished professor of chemistry at RMIT University, specializing in industrial chemistry, , and with over 30,000 citations for his work on sustainable and . His contributions include leadership in translating fundamental research into industrial applications, such as cleaner chemical processes, and he has held roles directing research centers focused on multidisciplinary innovation. Jagdish Mehra, born in Meerut in 1931, was a and of who authored seminal works on the development of quantum theory, including biographies of and detailed accounts of the Einstein-Bohr debates, drawing on archival research to elucidate foundational physics debates. His scholarship bridged and historical analysis, influencing understandings of 20th-century scientific revolutions through rigorous examination of primary sources.

References

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