Meerut#History

Meerut's name is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit term {{Transliteration|sa|Maya Rashtra}} ({{Lang|sa|मयराष्ट्र}}), which refers to the capital of the kingdom of Mayasura, the father of Mandodari and father-in-law of Ravana in Hindu mythology. Over time, the name may have undergone several transformations, evolving from {{Transliteration|sa|Maya Rashtra}} to {{Transliteration|sa|Mairashtra}}, then to {{Transliteration|sa|Mai-dant-ka-khera}}, {{Transliteration|sa|Mairaath}}, and finally to the present-day Meerut.{{cite web|url=http://meerut.nic.in/|title=Homepage|publisher=District Meerut|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915130519/http://meerut.nic.in/ |archive-date=15 September 2008 }}{{Cite book|title=Uttar Pradesh State Gazetteer: Social services, culture, places of interest|volume=5|author=Uma Varma|publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh, Department of District Gazetteers|page=359}}

According to another version, Mayasura, being a distinguished architect, received from King Yudhishthira the land on which the city of Meerut now stands and he named it Maharashtra, a name which over time became shortened to Meerut. Tradition also states that the city formed a part of the dominions of Mahipala, the king of Indraprastha, and the word Meerut is associated with his name.{{cite book|title=Banking, Bureaucracy, and Social Networks: Scheduled Castes in the Process of Development|author=Jagdish Kumar Pundir|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=svyVzV0n8DQC|publisher=Sarup & Sons|year=1998|isbn=9788176250245|pages=49–50}}

In the Ramayana, the city was known as 'Maydant Ka Kheda', the capital of May Danav. It was the hometown of Mandodari, the wife of Ravana.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/UP-MEER-mandodari-meet-ravan-in-baleshwar-nath-temple-in-meerut-5141034-PHO.html|title=इस मंदिर में मंदोदरी करती थीं शिव पूजा, यहीं पर रावण से हुई थी मुलाकात|trans-title=Mandodari used to worship Shiva in this temple, it was here that she met Ravana|date=21 October 2015|website=Dainik Bhaskar|language=hi|access-date=3 January 2020}}

The 1950–1952 archaeological excavations at Vidura-ka-tila, a collection of several mounds named after Vidura {{convert|23|mi|km|abbr=in|order=flip}} north-east of Meerut, concluded that Meerut was the remains of the ancient city of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas of Mahabharata, which was washed away by floods from the Ganges.{{cite web |title=Tourist places – Meerut |url=http://meerut.nic.in/tourist.htm |archive-date=19 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619074812/http://meerut.nic.in/tourist.htm}}{{cite web |title=Major Attractions |url=http://www.mdameerut.org.in/Major_Attractions.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312000944/http://www.mdameerut.org.in/Major_Attractions.aspx |archive-date=12 March 2012 |access-date=14 March 2012 |publisher=Meerut Development Authority}}

File:6thPillarOfAshoka.JPG in sandstone, with the inscription of Edicts of Ashoka, in Brahmi, originally from Meerut, now on display in the British Museum.{{Cite web |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/p/pillar_of_emperor_ashoka.aspx |title=British Museum Highlights |access-date=29 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105093409/http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/p/pillar_of_emperor_ashoka.aspx |archive-date=5 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}]]

Meerut also contained a Harappan settlement known as Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Indus Valley civilisation. Meerut had been a centre of Buddhism in the period 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. The Ashoka Pillar, at Delhi Ridge, was carried to Delhi from Meerut by Firuz Shah Tughluq (r. 1351–1388).{{cite news|newspaper=The Imperial Gazetteer|date=1909|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V17_260.gif|title=History|page=254|volume=17|publisher=Digital South Asia Library}}{{cite web|url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/-Delhi/New-Delhi/Ashoka-Pillar-18646.htm|title=Ashoka Pillar|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034301/http://www.india9.com/i9show/-Delhi/New-Delhi/Ashoka-Pillar-18646.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite book|title=Pratiyogita Darpan: General Studies Indian History|publisher=Upkar Prakashan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TTcCKkY7NLMC|access-date=8 February 2012|page=71}} It was later damaged in a 1713 explosion, and restored in 1867.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaprofile.com/tourist-attractions/delhi/ashokan-pillar/index.html|title=Ashokan Pillar|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516005221/http://www.indiaprofile.com/tourist-attractions/delhi/ashokan-pillar/index.html|archive-date=16 May 2008|url-status=dead}}

In Hindu mythology, Meerut has a strong connection to the Mahabharata. One of the main characters in the epic, Draupadi, is said to have been born here.{{Cite web |title=Interesting And Unknown Facts About Meerut City! |url=https://www.meerutwants.com/new-on-meerutwants/interesting-and-unknown-facts-about-meerut-city |website=meerutwants.com|date=11 December 2024 }}

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.{{cite news|newspaper=The Imperial Gazetteer|date=1909|title=District Meerut|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V17_270.gif|page=264|volume=17|publisher=Digital South Asia Library}} He was later defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1018 and surrendered along with his forces to Mahmud.{{cite book|title=Indian Islam: a religious history of Islam in India|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.280326|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1930|author=Murray Thurston Titus|page=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.280326/page/n38 21]}} 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 defence, survived until recent times{{When|date=March 2025}}.{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/kinshipurbanizat0000vatu|url-access=registration|title=Kinship and Urbanization: White Collar Migrants in North India|publisher=University of California Preas|year=1972|author=Sylvia Vatuk|page=[https://archive.org/details/kinshipurbanizat0000vatu/page/n22 1]|access-date=23 June 2017|isbn=9780520020641}} Muhammad of Ghor's mamluk general Qutb-ud-din Aybak attacked and captured Meerut in 1193.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GpNECgAAQBAJ&pg=PT56|title=Military Manpower, Armies and Warfare in South Asia|publisher=Routledge|pages=56|isbn=9781317321279|date=6 October 2015}}

Timur attacked and sacked Meerut in 1399. The city was held by Ilyas Afghan and his son Maula Muhammad Thaneswari, who was 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.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJ4IAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA321|title=Statistical, descriptive and historical account of the North-western Provinces of India|editor=E.T. Atkinson|publisher=Oxford University|pages=321|year=1876}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9_48AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA252|title=The Cambridge Shorter History of India|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2016|isbn=9781317208716|pages=252}}

The city then came under the rule of the Mughal Empire and saw a period of relative tranquility. During the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605), there was a mint producing copper coins in the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019xzz000001115u00006000.html|title=The Hindu temples on the plains near Meerut|publisher=British Library|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027175810/http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019xzz000001115u00006000.html |archive-date=27 October 2011 }} 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.{{cite book |author=Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak |translator=Henry Sullivan Jarrett |title=The Ain-i-Akbari |date=1891 |publisher=Asiatic Society of Bengal |location=Calcutta |page=288 |url=https://archive.org/details/ainiakbarivolum00mubgoog |access-date=21 January 2021}} File:Bada Darwaza of Kot Fort.jpg

A major part of Meerut was controlled by Sayyid Jagirdars of Abdullapur Meerut, 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.{{Cite web|title=Studio Dharma - by Nikhil Jain|url=https://studiodharma.in/|access-date=17 January 2021|website=STUDIO DHARMA|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121215641/https://studiodharma.in/|archive-date=21 January 2021}}{{Cite web|title=Abdullapur Pin Code, Abdullapur, Meerut Map, Latitude and Longitude, Uttar Pradesh|url=https://indiamapia.com/Meerut/Abdullapur.html|access-date=15 January 2021|website=indiamapia.com}}{{Cite web|title=दास्तान ए कर्बला सुन अश्कबार हुई आंखें|trans-title=Eyes filled with tears after listening to the story of Karbala|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut-city-14852638.html|access-date=16 January 2021|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi}} 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 great saint Shah Jewna.{{Cite journal|title=|journal=Indian Journal of Archaeology|url=http://ijarch.org/CurrentIssue.aspx|access-date=15 January 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118035325/http://ijarch.org/CurrentIssue.aspx|archive-date=18 January 2021}}{{full citation needed|date=August 2024}}{{Cite web|title=Pir-e-Kamil Hazrat Pir Shah Jewna Al-Naqvi Al-Bokhari|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/469327-pir-e-kamil-hazrat-pir-shah-jewna-al-naqvi-al-bokhari|access-date=15 January 2021|website=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=9 May 2016|title=Pir Shah Jewna: The soul still exudes spirituality|url=https://nation.com.pk/10-May-2016/pir-shah-jewna-the-soul-still-exudes-spirituality|access-date=15 January 2021|website=The Nation|language=en}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eNxP7M4HRRAC&dq=abdullapur+meerut&pg=PA187 |title=Meerut |date=1904 |language=en}} The famous Pakistani writer Syed Qudrat Naqvi Al Bukhari was born in Meerut.{{Cite web|last=Parekh|first=Rauf|date=12 December 2017|title=Syed Qudrat Naqvi and his research on Ghalib|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1376001|access-date=15 January 2021|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Urdu Books of Syed Qudrat Naqvi|url=https://www.rekhta.org/authors/syed-qudrat-naqvi/ebooks|access-date=28 January 2021|website=Rekhta}}{{Cite journal|last=Zaidi|first=Ali Jawad|date=1965|title=URDU|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23329150|journal=Indian Literature|volume=8|issue=2|pages=133–143|jstor=23329150|issn=0019-5804}}

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.{{Cite web|title=शिया जामा मस्जिद के सामने मिलती है गंगा-जमुनी विरासत की झलक|trans-title=A glimpse of Ganga-Jamuni heritage is found in front of Shia Jama Masjid|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut-city-shia-jama-masjid-meets-in-front-of-the-gangajamuna-legacy-19206494.html|access-date=2021-06-13|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi}}{{Cite web|title=MANSABIA ARABIC COLLEGE RAILWAY ROAD MRT - Ward 55, District Meerut (Uttar Pradesh)|url=https://schools.org.in/meerut/09071305508/mansabia-arabic-college-railway-road-mrt.html|access-date=2021-06-13|website=schools.org.in|language=en}}

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 the Maratha Confederacy's rule.{{cite news|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V17_262.gif|title=Meerut District – History|newspaper=The Imperial Gazetteer of India|date=1909|volume=17|pages=256–257, 261|publisher=Digital South Asia Library}}

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 set up in 1806 with particular key interests, including its closeness to Delhi and its area inside the rich Ganga – Yamuna doab. The city was made headquarters of the eponymous district in 1818.{{cite news|newspaper=The Imperial Gazetteer|title=History|date=1909|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V17_261.gif |page=255|volume=17|publisher=Digital South Asia Library}}{{cite book|title=Kinship and Urbanization: White Collar Migrants in North India|author=Sylvia Vatuk|publisher=University of California Press|year=1972|url=https://archive.org/details/kinshipurbanizat0000vatu|url-access=registration|isbn=9780520020641|pages=[https://archive.org/details/kinshipurbanizat0000vatu/page/2 2]–3|access-date=22 September 2016}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Imperial Gazetteer|date=1909|title=Population|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V17_262.gif|page=256|volume=17|publisher=Digital South Asia Library}}

File:1857 mutineers mosque meerut2.jpg

Meerut is often associated with the 1857 rebellion against Company rule in India.{{cite web|url=http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Mutiny.html|title=Postcolonial Studies|publisher=Emory University|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114213449/http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Mutiny.html|archive-date=14 January 2013|url-status=dead}} 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|date=December 2014}} 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, started 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 and Hindus thought it was greased with cow fat. Thus, they refused to touch them when ordered to.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/folk-theorem/hashimpura-and-the-echoes-of-1857-meerut-is-common-to-both/|title=Hashimpura and the echoes of 1857: Meerut is common to both|work=The Times of India Blogs|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726014434/http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/folk-theorem/hashimpura-and-the-echoes-of-1857-meerut-is-common-to-both/|archive-date=26 July 2015|url-status=live|date=5 April 2015}}

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 Gurjar 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 these soldiers marched towards Delhi. 10 May is still celebrated as a local holiday in Meerut.{{cite web|url=http://www.meerutdistrict.com/history.htm|title=History of Meerut district|publisher=www.meerutdistrict.com/|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214225000/http://meerutdistrict.com/history.htm|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}

File:United Provinces 1903.gif 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wcml.org.uk/contents/activists/ewan-maccoll/theatre/the-red-megaphones/|title=Ewan MacColl: The Red Megaphones|publisher=Working Class Movement Library |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613154110/http://www.wcml.org.uk/contents/activists/ewan-maccoll/theatre/the-red-megaphones/ |archive-date=13 June 2011 }} Electricity was first introduced to Meerut in 1931. 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 Queen played before the film was shown.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}} 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.{{cite news | title = Victoria's secret | author = KD Sharma | newspaper = Meerut Plus, Times of India | date = 15 August 2013}}

The city and district also suffered from communal Hindu-Sikh riots in 1984{{cite news | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2004/07/18/stories/2004071800180200.htm | title=The voice of a monologue | newspaper=The Hindu | date=18 July 2004 | access-date=17 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825122423/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2004/07/18/stories/2004071800180200.htm | archive-date=25 August 2009 | url-status=usurped | df=dmy-all }} and Hindu-Muslim riots in 1982.{{cite news | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/30/stories/2002053000531000.htm | title=Looking for justice | newspaper=The Hindu | date=30 May 2002 | access-date=17 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825124110/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/30/stories/2002053000531000.htm | archive-date=25 August 2009 | url-status=usurped | df=dmy-all }} In May 1987, the Hashimpura massacre took place when personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) shot dead 42 Muslims; the trial of the case is still pending.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/old/ie/daily/19980227/05850914.html |title=The art of not forgetting |newspaper=Indian Express |date=27 February 1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825193251/http://www.indianexpress.com/old/ie/daily/19980227/05850914.html |archive-date=25 August 2009 }}{{cite news |title=Justice out of sight |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2210/stories/20050520001504300.htm |work=Frontline |volume=22 |issue=10 |date=20 May 2005 |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810064151/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2210/stories/20050520001504300.htm |archive-date=10 August 2008 |url-status=usurped }} 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 predicted to be much higher.{{cite web|url=http://www.iklimnet.com/hotelfires/india_consumer_fair_fire.html|title=Indian Electronics Show Kills More than 100|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033535/http://www.iklimnet.com/hotelfires/india_consumer_fair_fire.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}

{{For|description of the geography of the district|Meerut district#Geography}}

Meerut lies between the plains of the Ganges and those of the Yamuna. By land area, Meerut district covers 2,522 km² (974 sq mi), which is larger than Delhi (Delhi covers an area of 1,484 km² [573 sq mi]).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

{{Main|Climate of Uttar Pradesh}}

Meerut has a monsoon influenced humid subtropical climate characterised by hot summers and cooler winters. Summers last from early April to late June and are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching {{convert|49|C|F}}.{{cite web|title=Chapter 3 – Findings: Metro Cities of India|url=http://www.cpcb.nic.in/EnvironmetalPlanning/ground/Chapter3.pdf|publisher=Central Pollution Control Board|access-date=1 April 2011|pages=63|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923210838/http://www.cpcb.nic.in/EnvironmetalPlanning/ground/Chapter3.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

The monsoon arrives in late June and continues till the middle of September. Temperatures drop slightly, with plenty of cloud cover but with higher humidity. Temperatures rise again in October and the city then has a mild, dry winter season from November to the middle of March. The lowest temperature ever recorded is {{convert|-0.4|C|F}}, on 6 January 2013.{{cite news|title=Frozen Meerut|url=http://inextlive.jagran.com/meerut-in-house-arrest-201301070005|language=hi|publisher=iNext|date=7 January 2013|access-date=29 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002122400/http://inextlive.jagran.com/meerut-in-house-arrest-201301070005|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live}} The rainfall is about {{convert|845|mm|in|0}} per annum, which is suitable for growing crops. Most of the rainfall is received during the monsoon. The humidity varies from 30 to 100%.

Meerut has been ranked 25th best "National Clean Air City" (under Category 1 >10L Population cities) in India according to 'Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 Results' {{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}

{{clear}}

{{Weather box

| collapsed =

| metric first = Yes

| single line = Yes

| location = Meerut (1991–2020)

| temperature colour =

|Jan record high C = 29.3

|Feb record high C = 32.2

|Mar record high C = 39.5

|Apr record high C = 43.8

|May record high C = 45.8

|Jun record high C = 46.1

|Jul record high C = 46.0

|Aug record high C = 40.0

|Sep record high C = 39.0

|Oct record high C = 38.0

|Nov record high C = 34.5

|Dec record high C = 30.0

|year record high C = 46.1

|Jan high C = 19.0

|Feb high C = 22.9

|Mar high C = 28.7

|Apr high C = 36.0

|May high C = 38.4

|Jun high C = 36.6

|Jul high C = 33.7

|Aug high C = 33.1

|Sep high C = 33.1

|Oct high C = 32.2

|Nov high C = 27.2

|Dec high C = 22.0

|year high C = 30.3

|Jan low C = 6.9

|Feb low C = 9.9

|Mar low C = 14.2

|Apr low C = 19.2

|May low C = 23.4

|Jun low C = 25.4

|Jul low C = 25.7

|Aug low C = 25.1

|Sep low C = 23.5

|Oct low C = 17.5

|Nov low C = 11.8

|Dec low C = 7.8

|year low C = 17.5

|Jan record low C = -0.4

|Feb record low C = 0.1

|Mar record low C = 5.4

|Apr record low C = 8.3

|May record low C = 15.4

|Jun record low C = 17.7

|Jul record low C = 16.5

|Aug record low C = 18.5

|Sep record low C = 15.7

|Oct record low C = 7.2

|Nov record low C = 1.8

|Dec record low C = 0.2

|year record low C = -0.4

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 20.1

|Feb precipitation mm = 32.2

|Mar precipitation mm = 24.2

|Apr precipitation mm = 15.7

|May precipitation mm = 28.7

|Jun precipitation mm = 81.9

|Jul precipitation mm = 226.4

|Aug precipitation mm = 217.9

|Sep precipitation mm = 119.1

|Oct precipitation mm = 16.4

|Nov precipitation mm = 1.4

|Dec precipitation mm = 4.9

|year precipitation mm = 788.9

|Jan rain days = 1.5

|Feb rain days = 1.9

|Mar rain days = 1.8

|Apr rain days = 1.2

|May rain days = 2.1

|Jun rain days = 4.4

|Jul rain days = 9.0

|Aug rain days = 9.0

|Sep rain days = 5.4

|Oct rain days = 0.9

|Nov rain days = 0.2

|Dec rain days = 0.5

|year rain days = 37.8

| Jan humidity = 64

| Feb humidity = 55

| Mar humidity = 48

| Apr humidity = 34

| May humidity = 35

| Jun humidity = 51

| Jul humidity = 71

| Aug humidity = 73

| Sep humidity = 69

| Oct humidity = 59

| Nov humidity = 58

| Dec humidity = 62

| year humidity = 56

|source 1 = India Meteorological Department (record high and low up to 2012)

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://cdsp.imdpune.gov.in/extremes_1991_2020/?stn=43057

| title = Station: Meerut Climatological Table 1981–2010

| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = January 2015

| pages = 509–510

| access-date = 1 March 2020}}{{cite web

| url = http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/meerut2.htm

| title = Meerut Climatological Table Period: 1971–2000

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = 15 April 2015

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140214130716/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/meerut2.htm

| archive-date = 14 February 2014

| url-status = dead

| df = dmy-all

}}{{cite web

|url=http://www.imdpune.gov.in/Temp_Extremes/histext2010.pdf

|title=Ever recorded Maximum and minimum temperatures up to 2010

|publisher=India Meteorological Department

|access-date=15 April 2015 |url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316064314/http://www.imdpune.gov.in/Temp_Extremes/histext2010.pdf

|archive-date=16 March 2014

}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M46

| access-date = 26 December 2020}}

{{cite web

| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230101061732/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| archive-date = 1 January 2023

| title = Climatological Tables 1991-2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = 1 January 2023

| page = 21}}

|date=April 2015}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://up.gov.in/upconstitution.aspx|title=CONSTITUTIONAL SETUP|website=Government of Uttar Pradesh|access-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831000649/http://up.gov.in/upconstitution.aspx|archive-date=31 August 2017|url-status=dead}}{{Cite book|title=Indian Administration|last=Maheshwari|first=S.R.|publisher=Orient Blackswan Private Ltd.|year=2000|isbn=9788125019886|location=New Delhi|pages=563–572|edition=6th}}{{Cite book|title=Revenue administration in India: A case study of Bihar|last=Singh|first=G.P.|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1993|isbn=978-8170993810|location=Delhi|pages=26–129}}{{Cite book|title=Governance in India|last=Laxmikanth|first=M.|publisher=McGraw Hill Education|year=2014|isbn=978-9339204785|location=Noida|pages=5.1–5.2|edition=2nd}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/india-2/role-and-functions-of-divisional-commissioner/46672/|title=Role and Functions of Divisional Commissioner|date=6 January 2015|website=Your Article Library|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816065354/http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/india-2/role-and-functions-of-divisional-commissioner/46672/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}} The District Magistrate of Meerut reports to the Divisional Commissioner. The current Commissioner is Selva Kumari J.{{Cite web|url=http://meerutdivision.nic.in/index_en.html|title=Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Meerut Division|website=Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Meerut|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807232157/http://meerutdivision.nic.in/index_en.html|archive-date=7 August 2017|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://meerut.nic.in/geninfo/commr.htm|title=Commissioners of Meerut Division|website=Meerut District|access-date=15 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811215319/http://meerut.nic.in/geninfo/commr.htm|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

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.{{Cite book|title=Indian Administration|last=Maheshwari|first=S.R.|publisher=Orient Blackswan Private Ltd.|year=2000|isbn=9788125019886|location=New Delhi|pages=573–597|edition=6th}}{{Cite book|title=Governance in India|last=Laxmikanth|first=M.|publisher=McGraw Hill Education|year=2014|isbn=978-9339204785|location=Noida|pages=6.1–6.6|edition=2nd}}{{Cite book|title=Revenue administration in India: A case study of Bihar|last=Singh|first=G.P.|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1993|isbn=978-8170993810|location=Delhi|pages=50–124}}{{cite web|url=http://www.importantindia.com/1724/powers-of-district-magistrate-in-india/|title=Powers Of District Magistrate in India|website=Important India|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816062201/http://www.importantindia.com/1724/powers-of-district-magistrate-in-india/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=usurped}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/Meerut.pdf|title=Brief Industrial Profile of District Meerut|author=MSME-Development Institute, Agra|publisher=Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India|access-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125001151/http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/dips/Meerut.pdf|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=live}} The current District Magistrate of Meerut is Depak Meena.{{Cite web|url=http://meerut.nic.in/geninfo/dm.htm|title=District Magistrates of Meerut|website=Meerut District|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811214824/http://meerut.nic.in/geninfo/dm.htm|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=live}}

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,{{Cite web|url=https://uppolice.gov.in/frmOfficials.aspx?zonemrt&cd=OAAzADIA|title=Officers posted at Meerut Zone|website=Uttar Pradesh Police|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813193628/https://uppolice.gov.in/frmOfficials.aspx?zonemrt&cd=OAAzADIA|archive-date=13 August 2017|url-status=live}} Praveen Kumar is the current IG of the Meerut range.{{Cite web|url=https://uppolice.gov.in/frmOfficials.aspx?rangemrt&cd=OAA3ADEA|title=Officers posted at Meerut Range|website=Uttar Pradesh Police|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813193546/https://uppolice.gov.in/frmOfficials.aspx?rangemrt&cd=OAA3ADEA|archive-date=13 August 2017|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://uppolice.gov.in/frmOfficials.aspx?meerut&cd=OQAzADAA|title=Officers posted at Meerut|website=Uttar Pradesh Police|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816113542/https://uppolice.gov.in/frmOfficials.aspx?meerut&cd=OQAzADAA|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}} The current SSP is Rohit Singh Sajwan.

The development of infrastructure in the city is overseen by the Meerut Development Authority (MDA),{{Cite web |title=Meerut Development Authority |url=https://mdameerut.in/ |website=Meerut Development Authority}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://mdameerut.in/telephone-directory/|title=Telephone Directory|website=Meerut Development Authority|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816114653/http://mdameerut.in/telephone-directory/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}

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 Chauhan.

The office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs and Central Excise, Meerut Zone, has jurisdiction over 13 districts of Uttrakhand 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.{{cite web|url=http://cxmeerutzone.gov.in/aboutus.htm|title=About Us|publisher=Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Meerut Zone|access-date=5 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613143614/http://cxmeerutzone.gov.in/aboutus.htm|archive-date=13 June 2011|url-status=dead}}

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

• The Janikhurd 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.

Almost 54% of all cases reaching the High Court originate from the 22 districts of Western UP, but western Uttar Pradesh does not have a High Court. People must to travel 700 km 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.{{Cite news |date=2023-09-03 |title=Lawyers rally for Meerut HC bench, suspend all work on Saturdays |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/lawyers-rally-for-meerut-hc-bench-suspend-all-work-on-saturdays/articleshow/103318823.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-09-27 |issn=0971-8257}}

Western Uttar Pradesh has been advocating to have a high court bench in Meerut so that Western Uttar Pradesh can get justice. Notably, west UP accounts for 51.71% of state GDP.{{Cite news |date=2020-03-13 |title=Noida tops Uttar Pradesh GDP & per capita income again, Lucknow is second |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/noida-tops-state-gdp-per-capita-income-again-lucknow-is-second/articleshow/74602571.cms |access-date=2023-09-27 |issn=0971-8257}}

The bench in the western part of the state was first proposed by the government in 1955.

File:Mall Road Meerut Cantt.jpg

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 {{Convert|3568.06|hectare|sqkm|2|abbr=on}} and population (93684 (civil + military) people) as per the 2011 census.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbmrt.org.in/introduction/profile/profile_history.html|title=Welcome To Meerut Cantonment Board|website=www.cbmrt.org.in|access-date=3 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517212818/http://cbmrt.org.in/introduction/profile/profile_history.html|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=live}} The Revolt of 1857 began in "Kali Paltan" in Meerut Cantonment and Indian soldiers stationed here actively participated in the rebellion.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Chapter 3.0 - City Profile|page=37}} The cantonment surrounds the old city from 3 sides – from Pallavpuram to Sainik Vihar to Ganga Nagar.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Chapter 5 - SWOT Analysis, Section 5.2 - Weakness|page=57}} It is well connected with the rest of country by roads as well as by rail. The Delhi Niti Paas Road (State Highway No. 45) passes through Meerut Cantonment.{{cite web|title=Meerut Cantonment: Historical Background|url=http://cbmeerut.org.in/index.html|access-date=8 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721180408/http://cbmeerut.org.in/index.html|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}} Meerut cantonment was the divisional headquarters of the 7th (Meerut) Division of the British Indian Army from 1829 to 1920.{{Cite web |title=Publication |url=https://www.usiofindia.org/publication-journal/meerut-cantonment-and-the-war-of-independence-1857.html |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=www.usiofindia.org}}

{{Update section|date=July 2023}}

thumb

File:Under-Construction Flyover on NH-58 Sardhana Road Crossing in Meerut.jpg

Meerut is the 63rd-fastest-growing urban area in the world.{{cite web|url=http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/urban_growth1.html|title=City Mayors: World's fastest growing urban areas (1)|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125090345/http://citymayors.com/statistics/urban_growth1.html|archive-date=25 November 2010|url-status=live}} It is the 14th fastest developing city in India. 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.{{cite web|url=http://linkback.morganstanley.com/web/sendlink/webapp/BMServlet?file=p8nqjstu-3o4l-g000-bf29-d8d3855ac300&store=0&user=du2n7fso2h1-35&__gda__=1434119633_42de03d0250c5e68f10b338c6d0f6df6 |publisher=Morgan Stanley |title=MORGAN STANLEY AlphaWise City Vibrancy Index: A Guide to India's Urbanization |access-date=12 November 2012 |pages=15 |format=pdf |date=June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106173608/http://linkback.morganstanley.com/web/sendlink/webapp/BMServlet?file=p8nqjstu-3o4l-g000-bf29-d8d3855ac300&store=0&user=du2n7fso2h1-35&__gda__=1434119633_42de03d0250c5e68f10b338c6d0f6df6 |archive-date=6 January 2014 |url-status=dead }} Meerut 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.

While the city ranked in the bottom 10 in job creation, the report suggests that overall there are plenty of signs of "potential for urbanisation," including future employment opportunities.{{cite news | url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/06/15/why-meerut-is-more-vibrant-than-mumbai/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Diksha | last=Sahni | title=Why Meerut is More Vibrant Than Mumbai | date=15 June 2011 | access-date=4 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316045416/http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/06/15/why-meerut-is-more-vibrant-than-mumbai/ | archive-date=16 March 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} 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.{{cite web|title=Realty Boom in Meerut – Credai-NCR|url=http://credaincr.org/archive_news_details.php?nid=8631&m=1&y=2011|publisher=credaincr.org|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814020439/http://credaincr.org/archive_news_details.php?nid=8631&m=1&y=2011|archive-date=14 August 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Realty Boom in Meerut|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=CAP/2011/01/08&PageLabel=53&EntityId=Ar05300&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T|work=The Times of India|location=India|access-date=11 April 2011|date=8 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829212553/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=CAP%2F2011%2F01%2F08&PageLabel=53&EntityId=Ar05300&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T|archive-date=29 August 2012|url-status=dead}} The Upper Ganga Canal Expressway development has also been completed. On the India City Competitiveness Index, the city ranked 45th in 2010, 37th in 2011and 39th in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/City-Competitiveness-Report-2010-Businessworld.pdf|title=Boulevards of Dreams|publisher=Businessworld|author=Srikant Srinivas|author2=Amit Kapoor|date=13 December 2010|access-date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106175113/http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/City-Competitiveness-Report-2010-Businessworld.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indias-50-most-competitive-cities/20111213.htm#26|title=India's 50 most Competitive cities|publisher=Rediff|date=13 December 2011|access-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106203709/http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indias-50-most-competitive-cities/20111213.htm#26|archive-date=6 January 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/India_City_Competitiveness_Index_2012_Rank.pdf|title=Ranks of 50 Cities as per the India City Competitiveness Index 2012|publisher=Institute of Competitiveness, India|access-date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021183840/http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/India_City_Competitiveness_Index_2012_Rank.pdf|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead}} It is India's largest refined sugar producer.{{Cite news |date=2020-02-12 |title=Uttar Pradesh tops country in sugar production, beats Maharashtra |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/up-tops-country-in-sugar-production-beats-maharashtra/articleshow/74088176.cms |access-date=2023-09-27 |issn=0971-8257}}

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.

File:Book Cover of Sangeet Puranmal Ka.jpg

Meerut is one of the important industrial towns of western Uttar Pradesh with several traditional and modern industries. It is traditionally known for handloom works and scissors industry.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Executive Summary, Section 3.1.3 - Economic Base|page=15}} 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.{{cite book|title=Print areas: book history in India|author=Swapan Chakravorty|author2=Abhijit Gupta|publisher=Orient Blackswan|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lKQPnCIZMnIC|access-date=3 February 2012|isbn=978-81-7824-082-4}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://meerut.nic.in/did_260810.pdf|title=Industrial Directory, District-Meerut|publisher=Meerut Official Website|page=29|access-date=28 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721180552/http://meerut.nic.in/did_260810.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=dead}} {{As of|August 2006}}, Meerut has about 23,471 industrial units, including 15,510 small-scale units and 7,922 cottage industries.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Chapter 3 - City Profile, Section 3.5.1 - Industries|page=46}} 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.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM|url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Chapter 1 - Introduction, Section 1.1 - Background|page=31}} Prospective industries include IT and ITES, Logistics.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Chapter 5 - SWOT Analysis, Section 5.3 - Opportunity|page=58}}

Meerut is one of two centres of sports goods manufacturing in India{{Snd}}the other being Jalandhar.{{Cite news |date=11 August 2014 |title=Bat like Meerut |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/Bat-like-Meerut/articleshow/40067844.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108043157/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/Bat-like-Meerut/articleshow/40067844.cms |archive-date=8 January 2017 |access-date=3 September 2016 |website=The Times of India}} There are numerous sports companies in the city especially for cricket namely SS, SF, SG, RM Sports,{{cite web |title=rm sports india |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/business/rm-sports-set-to-enter-retail-space-with-26-outlets-across-india20211024135822 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317154100/https://www.aninews.in/news/business/business/rm-sports-set-to-enter-retail-space-with-26-outlets-across-india20211024135822/ |archivedate=17 March 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=ani}} 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.{{Cite web |author=Sameen Husain |date=11 Aug 2014 |title=Bat like Meerut |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/Bat-like-Meerut/articleshow/40067844.cms |access-date=2 November 2020 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} 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.{{cite web|title=Industrial Area Description – UPSIDC|url=http://upsidc.com/search_action3.php?name=Meerut&ind_area=Udyog+Puram&Submit2=Submit|publisher=UPSIDC|access-date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108214639/http://upsidc.com/search_action3.php?name=Meerut&ind_area=Udyog+Puram&Submit2=Submit|archive-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Industrial Area Description|url=http://upsidc.com/search_action3.php?name=Meerut&ind_area=Partapur&Submit2=Submit|publisher=UPSIDC|access-date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108213136/http://upsidc.com/search_action3.php?name=Meerut&ind_area=Partapur&Submit2=Submit|archive-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:Delhi–Meerut Expressway.jpg

File:Delhi-Meerut-Express-Highway-India.png

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.{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Anjali |date=19 August 2024 |title=Daily grind to pure blitz as Rapid Rail enters Meerut |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ghaziabad/rapid-rail-revolutionizes-commute-from-delhi-to-meerut/articleshow/112614111.cms |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

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.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/delhi-meerut-expressway-open-for-public-cuts-travel-time-to-45-min/articleshow/81853266.cms|title=Delhi-Meerut Expressway open for public, cuts travel time to 45 minutes|newspaper=The Economic Times |date=1 April 2021}}

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.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Executive Summary, Section 1.0 - Introduction|page=13}} Low Floor city buses (under JNNURM),{{Cite journal |date=August 2006 |title=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Consultancy Services for Preparation of the City Development Plan (CDP) for Meerut in the State of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://rcueslucknow.org/jnnurm/Meerut/Final%20CDP%20Meerut.pdf |journal=City Development Plan Final Report |pages=236}} normal city buses, auto rickshaws, and rickshaws are convenient public transport options to commute within the city.{{cite report|title=City Development Plan Final Report - Consultancy Services for preparation of the City Development Plan(CDP) for Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh under JNNURM |url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/CDP_Meerut.pdf |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India |access-date=30 September 2012 |date=August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031161415/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CDP_Meerut.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead|chapter=Chapter 6 - Urban Infrastructure, Section 6.6.5 - Transportation systems in the City|page=74}}

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.*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|CMP}}|url=http://meerut.nic.in/UMTS/projectsummary.pdf|title=Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Meerut City|author=Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd.|publisher=meerut.nic.in|pages=12, 32}} 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.

Meerut lies on the Delhi–Meerut–Saharanpur line,{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ghaziabad-saharanpur-rail-route-electrified-railways-116031600922_1.html|title=Ghaziabad-Saharanpur rail route electrified: Railways|agency=Press Trust of India|date=16 March 2016|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622224717/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ghaziabad-saharanpur-rail-route-electrified-railways-116031600922_1.html|archive-date=22 June 2016|url-status=live}} 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, 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.{{Cite web |last=Khandelwal |first=Peeyush |date=6 August 2024 |title=Spike in RRTS ridership during Kanwar diversions |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/traffic-diversions-for-kanwar-yatra-spiked-rrts-ridership-in-ghaziabad-says-ncrtc-101722709425772.html |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}} 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|date=December 2014}}

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Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor or Eastern DFC is an 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."{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Karvi |date=2023-05-31 |title=Delhi Meerut RRTS Train to move cargo at 180kmph |url=https://www.logisticsinsider.in/delhi-meerut-rrts-train-to-move-cargo-at-180kmph/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Logistics Insider |language=en-US}}

Uttar Pradesh government has allocated land for building a large logistic hub in Modipuram region of Uttar Pradesh.{{Cite web |title=मुजफ्फरनगर, मेरठ में भी बनेगा फ्रेट कारिडोर का लॉजिस्टिक हब: संजीव बालियान |trans-title=Logistics hub of freight corridor will also be built in Muzaffarnagar and Meerut: Sanjeev Balyan|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/muzaffar-nagar/story-freight-corridor-39-s-logistic-hub-to-be-built-in-muzaffarnagar-meerut-as-well-sanjeev-balyan-3712757.html |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Hindustan |language=hi}}

{{Main|Meerut Metro}}

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.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/akhilesh-plans-four-metro-rail-projects-before-next-assembly-polls-115030400787_1.html|title=Akhilesh plans four metro rail projects before next assembly polls|author=Virendra Singh Rawat|date=5 March 2015|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729200728/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/akhilesh-plans-four-metro-rail-projects-before-next-assembly-polls-115030400787_1.html|archive-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|newspaper=Business Standard India}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyoooz.com/meerut/126485/city-in-search-of-new-sites-for-metro|title=City in search of new sites for metro|author=NYOOOZ|work=NYOOOZ|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615232702/http://www.nyoooz.com/meerut/126485/city-in-search-of-new-sites-for-metro|archive-date=15 June 2015|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System}}

File:Namo Bharat Train.jpg 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncrpb.nic.in/pdf_files/10modified_ch06transport.pdf|title=NCR Transport Plan 2021|pages=6–7, 11|access-date=24 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321191743/http://www.ncrpb.nic.in/pdf_files/10modified_ch06transport.pdf|archive-date=21 March 2012|url-status=live}}

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 {{INRConvert|1000|c}} with the expected time of the journey being 45 minutes.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/soon-meerut-45-mins-away-on-rapid-transit/681630/|title=Soon, Meerut 45 mins away on rapid transit|author=Pragya Kaushika|publisher=The Indian Express|date=15 September 2010|access-date=13 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921055420/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/soon-meerut-45-mins-away-on-rapid-transit/681630/|archive-date=21 September 2010|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/anand-vihar-to-meerut-rts-7-of-14-stations-likely-to-be-in-ghaziabad/713690/|title=Anand Vihar to Meerut RTS: 7 of 14 stations likely to be in Ghaziabad|author=Pragya Kaushika|publisher=The Indian Express|date=20 November 2010|access-date=13 December 2010}}

On 14 December 2010, the NCR Planning Board, Meerut Development Authority (MDA), and Meerut Municipal Corporation approved the project.{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/High-speed-train-routes-get-approval/Article1-638921.aspx|title=High speed train route gets approval|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=14 December 2010|access-date=15 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211050142/http://www.hindustantimes.com/High-speed-train-routes-get-approval/Article1-638921.aspx|archive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.naredco.in/news-updates-details.asp?id=3110&prYear=2011&xmon=Aug&st=1&links=|title=Delhi to Meerut in 45 Minutes|publisher=National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), NEW DELHI|date=5 August 2011|access-date=6 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527105651/http://www.naredco.in/news-updates-details.asp?id=3110&prYear=2011&xmon=Aug&st=1&links=|archive-date=27 May 2013|url-status=live}}

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 {{INRConvert|100|c}}. 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.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-approves-setting-up-of-NCR-transport-corporation/articleshow/21017757.cms|title=Government approves setting up of NCR transport corporation|publisher=Times of India|author=Press Trust of India|date=11 July 2013|access-date=12 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206193856/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-approves-setting-up-of-NCR-transport-corporation/articleshow/21017757.cms|archive-date=6 December 2016|url-status=live|author-link=Press Trust of India}} It was reported that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the three corridors were under the process of finalisation.{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=97139|title=Press Release - Formation of National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC)|date=11 July 2013|access-date=6 January 2014|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020024152/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=97139|archive-date=20 October 2013|url-status=live}}

In December 2013, problems were reported in the proposed alignment of the Delhi-Meerut corridor.{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/metro-projects-in-india-cheapest-in-the-world-458348|title=Metro projects in India cheapest in the world|publisher=NDTV|access-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106225450/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/metro-projects-in-india-cheapest-in-the-world-458348|archive-date=6 January 2014|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut-city-10980116.html|title=बदला मेरठ-दिल्ली हाईस्पीड ट्रेन का रूट|language=hi|date=3 January 2014|trans-title=Meerut-Delhi Highspeed train route changed|access-date=6 January 2014|publisher=Dainik Jagran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110185443/http://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut-city-10980116.html|archive-date=10 January 2014|url-status=live}}

In March 2018, the project's construction was started after the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/delhi-to-meerut-in-60-mins-with-160-kmph-rapid-rail-pm-modi-lays-foundation-stone-10-facts-you-must-know/1509736/|title=PM Narendra Modi laid down the foundation stone for the project|work=The Financial Express|date=8 March 2019|access-date=11 March 2023}} As of 2023, the alignment is {{cvt|82|km}} 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 South Meerut will be completed by the first quarter of 2024. The entire corridor will be completed by March 2025.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-04 |title=RRTS trials to south Meerut by year-end |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/rrts-trials-to-south-meerut-by-year-end/articleshow/97591947.cms |access-date=2023-03-11 |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=2023-01-04 |title=NCRTC Conducts Successful Trial Run Of India's First High-Speed RRTS Train From Duhai To Ghaziabad |url=https://www.india.com/uttar-pradesh/ncrtc-conducts-successful-trial-run-of-indias-first-high-speed-rrts-train-from-duhai-to-ghaziabad-5838675/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=India.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-25 |title=Ghaziabad: Four RRTS stations on 17km priority line to be ready by mid-March |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ghaziabad-four-rrts-stations-on-17km-priority-line-to-be-ready-by-midmarch-101677318809199.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

The nearest airport is Hindon Airport at Ghaziabad, located {{cvt|64|km}} away, while the major airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi is about {{cvt|100|km}} 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.{{cite news|title=UP for Meerut Airport, Greater Noida Realty may skid|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/UP-for-Meerut-airport-G-Noida-realty-may-skid/articleshow/5605019.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402010101/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010%2D02%2D23/delhi/28135312_1_land%2Drates%2Dgreater%2Dnoida%2Dairport|work=The Times of India |location=India|access-date=30 March 2011|author=Lalit Kumar|archive-date=2 April 2010|page=1|format=XHTML 1.0 Transitional|url-status=live|date=23 February 2010}} However, plans to expand the Domestic airport were called off after protests against land acquisition started in other parts of the state.{{cite web|title= Maya govt scraps plan to expand Meerut airstrip|date= 29 August 2010|url= http://www.financialexpress.com/news/maya-govt-scraps-plan-to-expand-meerut-airstrip/673405/|access-date= 6 July 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140415191013/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/maya-govt-scraps-plan-to-expand-meerut-airstrip/673405|archive-date= 15 April 2014|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}} Following an accident in May 2012, the city administration barred private flights from using the airstrip.{{cite news |title= Meerut admin bars private flights from Partapur airstrip| url=http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/meerut-admin-bars-private-flightspartapur-airstrip/9510/| newspaper=Business Standard India| date=16 May 2012| agency=Press Trust of India}}

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 minister 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.{{Cite web |last=Goel |first=Sparsh |date=2023-08-03 |title=Meerut News: Airport Gets Green Signal for Operations, Receives Approval from Civil Aviation Ministry |url=https://www.dnpindia.in/states/meerut-news-airport-gets-green-signal-for-operations-receives-approval-from-civil-aviation-ministry/279638/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=DNP INDIA |language=en-GB}}

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.

{{See also|Meerut district#Demographics}}

{{bar box

|title=Religions in Meerut City (2011){{Cite web|date=2011|title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: Uttar Pradesh|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11394/download/14507/DDW09C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

|titlebar=#Fcd116

|left1=Religion

|right1=Percent

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|bars=

{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|61.15}}

{{bar percent|Islam|green|36.05}}

{{bar percent|Jainism|pink|0.92}}

{{bar percent|Sikhism|darkkhaki|0.60}}

{{bar percent|Christian|Blue|0.41}}

{{bar percent|Others†|black|0.96}}

|caption=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, (comparable to the kingdom of Bahrain or Trinidad and Tobago) with the municipality contributing roughly 1.31 million of it.{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above, Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011|access-date=25 August 2013|publisher=Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507135928/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2012|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf|title=CONSTITUENTS OF URBAN AGGLOMERATIONS HAVING POPULATION 1 LAKH & ABOVE, CENSUS 2011|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306023808/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/101-meerut.html|title=Meerut City Population Census 2011 {{!}} Uttar Pradesh|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626002702/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/101-meerut.html|archive-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live}} 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. The overall literacy rate is 88.29%, higher than the state average of 69.72%.{{cite web|title=Census of India 2011 – Provisional Population Totals – Uttar Pradesh – Data Sheet|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/up/Census2011Data%20Sheet-UP.pdf|access-date=15 March 2012|publisher=Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626232334/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/up/Census2011Data%20Sheet-UP.pdf|archive-date=26 June 2011|url-status=dead}} In Meerut Municipal Corporation, 83.78% of the population spoke Hindi and 15.25% Urdu as their first language.{{cite web |title=2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue - Uttar Pradesh (Town Level) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10235/download/13347/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-0900.XLSX |access-date=27 June 2022 |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

{{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.{{Cite web|url=http://demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|title=Demographia : World Urban Areas|website=www.demographia.com|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013155105/http://demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|archive-date=13 October 2016|url-status=live}}

According to the 2001 census, the city ranked second in terms of population in NCR{{cite web|url=http://urbanindia.nic.in/moud/theministry/subordinateoff/tcpo/DMA_Report/CHAPTER_2.pdf|title=Area, Population and Density of Cities and Towns of India - 2001 - Chapter II - Area and Density – All Cities and Towns|date=December 2007|publisher=Socio-economic and Monitoring Division, Town and Country Planning Organisation, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and 25th in India.{{cite web|url=http://www.citymayors.com/gratis/indian_cities.html|title=India's largest cities / urban areas|access-date=3 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119101044/http://www.citymayors.com/gratis/indian_cities.html|archive-date=19 November 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Mustafa Castle -- night shot.jpg was built in 1900]]

Many traditional Indian festivals, including Holi, Dussehra, Diwali, Eid are celebrated in Meerut. Notably, the Nauchandi Fair, which began in1672, is held annually two weeks after Holi.{{cite web|title=Nauchandi Mela |url=http://www.religiousportal.com/NauchandiFair.html |work=religiousportal.com |access-date=3 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512080650/http://religiousportal.com/NauchandiFair.html |archive-date=12 May 2012 |url-status=dead }} 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.{{cite book|title=Fairs of India|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ol4Ndx9itz0C|access-date=3 February 2012|isbn=978-81-87100-43-0|pages=16–18}}

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.{{Cite web|title=Short History of Meerut Diocese |url=http://www.ucanindia.in/diocesan-directory/home/diocese/meerut/130/ |publisher=UCAN India |access-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014000826/http://www.ucanindia.in/diocesan-directory/home/diocese/meerut/130 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The cuisine of Meerut reflects influences from Punjabi, Awadhi, and Mughlai traditions. Local dishes commonly associated with the city include tandoori chicken, biryanis, and kebabs.{{Cite web |title=Interesting And Unknown Facts About Meerut City! |url=https://www.meerutwants.com/new-on-meerutwants/interesting-and-unknown-facts-about-meerut-city |website=meerutwants.com|date=11 December 2024 }}

{{Main|Nauchandi Mela }}

File:NAUCHANDI GATE MEERUT.jpg

The Nauchandi Mela is an annual fair held at Nauchandi Ground in Meerut.{{Cite web|url=http://meerutnagarnigam.in/forms/NAUCHANDI%20MELAnew.pdf|title=Nauchandi Mela : Meerut Nagar Nigam|website=meerutnagarnigam.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215123911/http://meerutnagarnigam.in/forms/NAUCHANDI%20MELAnew.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiaprofile.com/fairs-festivals/nauchandimela.htm|title=Nauchandi Mela of Meerut|website=www.indiaprofile.com|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401114029/http://www.indiaprofile.com/fairs-festivals/nauchandimela.htm|archive-date=1 April 2017|url-status=live}} 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. 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.meerutonline.in/city-guide/nauchandi-fair-in-meerut|title=Nauchandi Fair in Meerut, Historical Significance Nauchandi Fair|website=www.meerutonline.in|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701060355/http://www.meerutonline.in/city-guide/nauchandi-fair-in-meerut|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}}

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, gajaks,{{which lang|date=April 2021}} nan-khatai{{which lang|date=April 2021}} are also sold. Giant rides, wheels, circus, and various other recreational arenas where artists perform stunts, remain a big attraction of the fair.{{Cite web|url=http://journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/nauchandi-mela-uttar-pradesh.aspx|title=Nauchandi Mela 2017 - Nauchandi Mela Meerut - Nauchandi Mela in Uttar Pradesh, India|website=journeymart.com|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707062255/http://journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/nauchandi-mela-uttar-pradesh.aspx|archive-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live}}

Meerut is home to a film industry, which has a following in Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The films are usually folklore stories, comedies, or localised versions of Bollywood hits.{{cite web|url=http://www.naachgaana.com/2007/07/15/mollywood-dreams-audience-applauds-as-meeruts-showbiz-aspirations-take-wing/ |title=Mollywood dreams-Audience applauds as Meerut's showbiz aspirations take wing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415100323/http://www.naachgaana.com/2007/07/15/mollywood-dreams-audience-applauds-as-meeruts-showbiz-aspirations-take-wing/ |archive-date=15 April 2014 }} 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,{{cite book|title=70 years of Indian cinema, 1913–1983|author=T. M. Ramachandran|year=1985|publisher=Cinema India-International|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q9rthUDKxyEC|access-date=15 March 2012|isbn=978-0-86132-090-5|page=129|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522200019/http://books.google.com/books?id=Q9rthUDKxyEC|archive-date=22 May 2013|url-status=live}} Achint Kaur,{{cite news|title=Playing historical character is not easy: Achint Kaur |publisher=Indo-Asian News Service |place=Mumbai |date=31 December 2010 |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Story.aspx?id=ENTEN20100165067 |access-date=15 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314201937/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Story.aspx?id=ENTEN20100165067 |archive-date=14 March 2012 }} Kailash Kher,{{cite web|url=http://www.kailashkher.com/bio.php |title=Biography – Kailash Kher |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518002435/http://www.kailashkher.com/bio.php |archive-date=18 May 2012 }} Chitrangada Singh, Vishal Bhardwaj,{{cite news|title=Stars on the horizon|author=Sandeep Rai|newspaper=Meerut Plus, Times of India|date=15 August 2012}} Deepti Bhatnagar{{cite news|title=Vishal Bhardwaj mentors Chitrangada |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2010/mar/200310-Anirudh-Ruhela-mentors-chitrangada.htm |publisher=Mid-day |date=20 March 2012 |place=Mumbai |access-date=15 March 2012 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405000705/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2010/mar/200310-vishal-bhardwaj-mentors-chitrangada.htm |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Interview with Vishal Bhardwaj: Glamsham.com |url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/interviews/vishal_bharadwaj1.asp |access-date=15 March 2012 |archive-date=30 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530053726/http://www.glamsham.com/movies/interviews/vishal_bharadwaj1.asp |url-status=dead }} and Pravesh Rana.{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-26/news-interviews/34083823_1_pravesh-rana-tigmanshu-dhulia-bigg-boss|title=Pravesh toes the family line|date=26 September 2012|access-date=14 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231060423/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-26/news-interviews/34083823_1_pravesh-rana-tigmanshu-dhulia-bigg-boss|archive-date=31 December 2013|work=The Times of India|url-status=dead}}

{{unreferenced section|date=August 2024}}

{{Main|List of educational institutions in Meerut district}}

File:Administrative Block CCS University, Meerut.jpg]]

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, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology and IIMT University. 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.

Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology is the only university in Meerut district. It was notified in 2006 by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India u/s 3 of UGC Act 1956.

IIMT Engineering College which is now called IIMT University is the oldest engineering institute in Meerut district. It was established in 1997.

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.

• St. Mary's Academy, Meerut

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 (newspaper), Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Jagran,{{cite web|title=Dainik Jagran:About Us |url=http://www6.jagran.com/about/districts.htm |access-date=3 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108034958/http://www6.jagran.com/about/districts.htm |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=dead }} Amar Ujala, Dainik Janwani, The Hindu, Rashtrasewa, Dainik Jagran iNext are published from the city. The English daily Times of India, Meerut edition{{cite web|url=http://www.exchange4media.com/56822_toi-launches-editions-in-agra-bareli-meerut-dehradun.html|title=TOI launches editions in Agra, Bareli, Meerut, Dehradun|author=Abid Hasan|date=5 August 2014|access-date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806171004/http://www.exchange4media.com/56822_toi-launches-editions-in-agra-bareli-meerut-dehradun.html|archive-date=6 August 2014|url-status=dead}} 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.

File:Ashtapad Hastinapur.jpg

File:Augarnath Temple at 2nd Navratri Night.jpg

File:Statue of Mangal Pandey at Shaheed Smarak Meerut.jpg

{{Cleanup list|section|date=June 2021}}

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, Hastinapur NCR 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 NCR with Shri 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.hamarameerut.com/details.aspx?id=81|title=Home|website=Hamarameerut.com|access-date=27 July 2015}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Government Freedom Struggle Museum and Shaheed Smarak - 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.{{Cite web|url=https://meerut.nic.in/tourist-place/shaheed-smarak/|title=Shaheed Smarak|publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh | India}}
• Shahi Jama Masjid – The Jama Masjid was built by Hasan Mahdi, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi's Wazir in 1019 AD (older than the Qutb Minar).{{cite news|newspaper=The Imperial Gazetteer|date=1909|title=Meerut City|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V17_271.gif|page=265|volume=17|publisher=Digital South Asia Library}} It is considered the first Masjid in North India.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/north-india-s-first-mosque-going-strong-after-999-years/story-jPfLPas0NYQVTpLYE6YvIN.html|title=North India's first mosque going strong after 999 years|work=Hindustan Times |date=8 June 2018 }} Although it was restored by Humayun, 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.up-tourism.com/valour.htm|title=The first war of Indian independence|publisher=Uttar Pradesh Tourism|archive-date=7 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007081637/http://www.up-tourism.com/valour.htm}} 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. During the War of 1857, this church was the scene of heavy fighting between Indian and British forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/St-John's-Church-22539.htm|title=St John's Church|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214825/http://www.india9.com/i9show/St-John's-Church-22539.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}
• 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.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbmeerut.org.in/heritage_sities.html |publisher=Cantonment Board Meerut|title=Heritage Sites |access-date=18 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202180144/http://cbmeerut.org.in/heritage_sities.html |archive-date=2 February 2009 |url-status=dead }} Augharnath Temple is also Shiva's oldest temple.{{Cite web |title=Interesting And Unknown Facts About Meerut City! |url=https://www.meerutwants.com/new-on-meerutwants/interesting-and-unknown-facts-about-meerut-city |website=meerutwants.com|date=11 December 2024 }}

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.

• Dhan Singh Gurjar{{cite news|url=https://livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut/story-up-police-will-learn-the-history-of-dhansingh-kotwal-2049684.html|title=Up police will learn the history of dhansingh kotwal|newspaper=Live Hindustan|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804140420/https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut/story-up-police-will-learn-the-history-of-dhansingh-kotwal-2049684.html|archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=live}}
• Kadam Singh, leader of a group of Gurjars who fought against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9DU5AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA131 |title=The Peasant and the Raj: Studies in Agrarian Society and Peasant Rebellion in Colonial India |first=Eric |last=Stokes |author-link=Eric Thomas Stokes |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1980 |isbn=978-0-52129-770-7 |page=131 |access-date=20 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070102/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9DU5AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA131 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live }}

• Deepti Bhatnagar{{Cite web|title=Deepti Bhatnagar - Movies, Biography, News, Age & Photos|url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/deepti-bhatnagar/1049789|access-date=22 June 2020|website=BookMyShow}}
• Bharat Bhushan
• Ayananka Bose
• Arun Govil
• Achint Kaur
• Kailash Kher
• Mitakshara Kumar
• Popular Meeruthi
• Chitrangada Singh
• Sanjeev Tyagi

*

• Maharaja Surajmal, Meerut was under his kingdom during 18th century.

• Rajendra Agrawal, Member of Parliament, for Meerut{{Cite web|title=Rajendra Agrawal|publisher=National Portal of India|url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/indian-parliament/rajendra-agrawal|access-date=17 June 2020|website=www.india.gov.in}}
• Mohammed Shahid Akhlaq
• Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, Former State President, BJP, Uttar Pradesh.
• Ravindra Kumar Bhadana, politician{{cite news|title=2012 Election Results|publisher= Election Commission of India}}
• Hemlata Chaudhary, politician{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/uttar-pradesh/assembly-constituencies/baghpat.html|title=Baghpat Assembly Constituency Election Result 2022 - Candidates, MLAs, Live Updates & News|access-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820235226/http://www.elections.in/uttar-pradesh/assembly-constituencies/baghpat.html|archive-date=20 August 2018|url-status=live}}
• Lakhi Ram Nagar, businessman and politician{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Arrest-warrant-against-UP-Minister/article14809322.ece|title=Arrest warrant against UP Minister|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629065453/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Arrest-warrant-against-UP-Minister/article14809322.ece|archive-date=29 June 2018|url-status=live}}
• Malook Nagar, businessman and politician{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/greater-noida-bjp-s-tejpal-singh-nagar-wins-the-battle-of-the-gujjars-in-dadri/story-SXv2Jy7lca1LXFFbVhLKrL.html|title=Greater Noida: BJP's Tejpal Singh Nagar wins the battle of the Gujjars in Dadri|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807185929/https://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/greater-noida-bjp-s-tejpal-singh-nagar-wins-the-battle-of-the-gujjars-in-dadri/story-SXv2Jy7lca1LXFFbVhLKrL.html|archive-date=7 August 2018|url-status=live}}
• Rubab Sayda
• Pyare Lal Sharma, freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Uttar Pradesh
• Yashwant Singh
• Somendra Tomar, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Meerut South
• Vijaypal Singh Tomar
• Seema Upadhyay

{{colbegin}}

• Vivek Agarwal, cricketer
• Mohd Asab, shooter
• Manu Attri, badminton player
• Shapath Bharadwaj, shooter
• Garima Chaudhary, judoka
• Saurabh Chaudhary, shooter{{Cite web|date=24 February 2019|title=Asian Games 2018: Who is shooter Saurabh Chaudhary?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/asian-games/who-is-saurabh-chaudhary-asian-games-2018-gold-medal-5317213/|access-date=17 June 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}
• Dharampal Singh Gudha, oldest Gurjar athlete{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/videos/meet-116-years-old-dharampal-singh-gujjarworlds-oldest-athlete_1473477.html|title=Meet 116 years old Dharampal Singh Gujjar, world's oldest athlete|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815232834/http://zeenews.india.com/news/videos/meet-116-years-old-dharampal-singh-gujjarworlds-oldest-athlete_1473477.html|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}
• Praveen Gupta, cricketer
• Romeo James, field hockey player
• Paramjeet Kaur, athlete
• Muzzaffaruddin Khalid, cricketer
• Ashok Kumar, field hockey player
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar, cricketer
• Praveen Kumar, cricketer
• Raman Lamba, cricketer
• Shivam Mavi, cricketer{{cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/604757|title=International Cricket Council|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140556/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/604757|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}
• Preethi Pal, runner
• Arvind Panwar, cyclist
• Annu Rani, athlete
• Sameer Rizvi, cricketer
• Shahzar Rizvi, shooter
• Karn Sharma, cricketer
• Umang Sharma, cricketer
• Mohinder Pal Singh, field hockey player
• Parvinder Singh, cricketer
• Shardul Vihan, sport shooter

{{colend}}

• Sir Ziauddin Ahmed, academic and parliamentarian
• Satish Chandra, Indian historian
• Anu Garg,{{Cite web|title=Garg, Anu 1967|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/garg-anu-1967|access-date=25 June 2020|website=Encyclopedia.com}} educationist and author
• K. P. S. Mahalwar, legal educationist and administrator
• Zayn al-Abidin Sajjad Meerthi, Indian Islamic scholar and historian
• Sheikh Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Qadri Meerathi, Islamic scholar and writer
• Manu Prakash, scientist and MacArthur Fellowship awardee

• 2006 Meerut fire
• Meerut Lok Sabha constituency
• Hapur Assembly constituency
• Kithore Assembly constituency
• Meerut Assembly constituency
• Meerut Cantonment Assembly constituency
• Meerut South Assembly constituency
• Largest Indian cities by GDP

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|title=Service and Adventure with the Khakee Ressalah; Or, Meerut Volunteer Horse, During the Mutinies of 1857–58|author=Robert Henry Wallace Dunlop|publisher=R. Bentley|date=1858}}
• {{cite book|title=Flashman in the Great Game|author=George MacDonald Fraser|date=1975}}
• {{cite book|author=Henry Riven Nevill|title=Meerut: A District Gazetteers of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|volume= 4|url=https://archive.org/stream/districtgazette00indgoog#page/n5/mode/1up|year=1904|publisher=Government Press}}
• {{cite book|title=The Mutiny Outbreak at Meerut in 1857|author=Julian Arthur Beaufort Palmer|publisher=Cambridge University Press|date=1966|isbn=0-521-05901-1}}
• {{cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/chaplainsnarrat00rottgoog#page/n4/mode/1up|title=The Chaplain's Narrative of the Siege of Delhi: From the Outbreak at Meerut to the Capture of Delhi|author=John Edward Wharton Rotton|publisher=Smith, Elder|date=1858}}
• {{cite book|title=Mutiny in Meerut|author=Vivian Stuart|publisher=Aidan Ellis Publishing|date=1991|isbn=0-85628-210-3}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://meerut.nic.in}}
• [https://meerut.nic.in/history/ History of Meerut]

{{Million-plus cities in India}}

{{Meerut district}}

{{Meerut division topics}}

{{Uttar Pradesh}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Metropolitan cities in India

Category:Cities and towns in Meerut district

Category:Cities in Uttar Pradesh