PM Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat RRTS and Meerut Metro, completing the 82.15 km Delhi–Meerut corridor. He said the integrated Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat system will make travel across the NCR faster and more convenient. In a historic first, both services were launched from the same platform, redefining seamless mobility in India.

Introduction:

India’s urban transport landscape achieved a historic milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) and the Meerut Metro, dedicating the fully completed Delhi–Meerut corridor to the nation.

Describing the moment as the beginning of a new era of world-class infrastructure, the Prime Minister said Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing transformative development. The inauguration marks the first time in India that both a rapid rail and a metro service are operating from the same station and on the same track.

The launch ceremony, held in Meerut, symbolized what the Prime Minister called a “new surge of energy” for a ‘Viksit Uttar Pradesh’ and a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

A Historic First with Metro and Rapid Rail on the Same Platform:

For the first time in the country, commuters can board both a high-speed regional train and a city metro from the same platform.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this seamless integration:

He stated that the project offers a glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a developed India, strengthening the “Twin Cities” vision of Delhi and Meerut.

Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Corridor Overview:

The Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor is one of India’s most ambitious regional rail projects. With a total length of 82.15 kilometers and a project cost of Rs. 30,274 crore, the corridor reflects a blend of engineering innovation and strategic planning.

Key Project Highlights:

Initially, 55 km between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South with 11 stations was operational. On February 22, 2026, the remaining 5 km stretch between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan, along with 21 km between Meerut South and Modipuram, was inaugurated—marking full corridor completion.

The project integrates Indian Railways, metro systems, and bus stands at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, creating a multimodal transport ecosystem for the National Capital Region (NCR).

Meerut Metro Overview:

The Meerut Metro stands out as a pioneering initiative in urban transport.

Corridor Specifications:

On inauguration day, a 21 km stretch with 12 stations from Meerut South to Modipuram became operational, covering the distance in just 30 minutes. With an operational speed of 120 kmph, it becomes India’s fastest metro system.

What makes it unique is its shared infrastructure model—both Namo Bharat and Metro services operate on the same tracks and stations within Meerut. This seamless integration enables passengers to board a metro for intra-city travel and switch to Namo Bharat for direct travel to Delhi—all from the same platform.

A First-of-Its-Kind Integrated Platform:

“It is happening for the first time in the country that Namo Bharat and Metro rail will operate on the same station and on the same track,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

This integration eliminates traditional transit barriers. From the same platform:

The “Twin Cities” vision—linking Delhi and Meerut as a unified economic and residential zone—has now gained concrete momentum.

A Symbol of ‘Nari-Shakti’:

During his visit, the Prime Minister traveled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. He described the project as a symbol of ‘Nari-Shakti’ (women empowerment), noting that a majority of train operators and station control staff are women.

The initiative showcases how modern infrastructure development can go hand-in-hand with inclusive employment practices. It not only delivers mobility but also creates dignified opportunities for women in technical and operational roles.

Work Culture and Timely Completion:

Highlighting what he termed the “Double-Engine government” model, the Prime Minister stressed that projects no longer remain pending after foundation stones are laid.

He also noted the rare distinction of having laid the foundation stone for both the Namo Bharat and Metro services and then inaugurating them—demonstrating continuity in governance and execution.

Before 2014, metro services were operational in only five Indian cities. Today, metros run in over 25 cities, making India the third-largest metro network globally.

Boost to Employment and Industry:

The Prime Minister underlined that massive investments in infrastructure—including expressways, freight corridors, and the upcoming Jewar International Airport—are generating significant employment opportunities in the region.

According to him, improved connectivity:

High-Level Ceremony in Delhi:

The inauguration was broadcast live at Sarai Kale Khan station in Delhi.

Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, attended as Chief Guest. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, and Delhi Government Minister Ashish Sood were also present.

The Union Minister inaugurated the Sarai Kale Khan Namo Bharat station and flagged off the train, traveling from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar and back.

A Vision for ‘Viksit Uttar Pradesh’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’:

The Prime Minister concluded that a developed Uttar Pradesh is essential for a developed India.

With integrated mobility, high-speed transit, and seamless connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, the Namo Bharat corridor reflects the broader national ambition of modern infrastructure, economic dynamism, and inclusive growth.

Conclusion:

The launch of India’s first Namo Bharat RRTS and the Meerut Metro marks a defining milestone in regional connectivity. By integrating rapid rail and metro services on shared infrastructure, the Delhi–Meerut corridor sets a new benchmark for mobility, development, and infrastructure excellence in a rapidly advancing India.

Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit: NCRTC

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