PM Modi Inaugurates Fully Operational Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor & Meerut Metro

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, February 22, 2026, marked a significant milestone in India's urban and regional transit landscape by inaugurating the remaining sections of the 82-kilometer Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, popularly known as 'Namo Bharat'. This inauguration makes the entire corridor fully operational, providing high-speed connectivity between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. The Prime Minister flagged off the Namo Bharat train and the Meerut Metro from Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and also took a metro ride to Meerut South Station. This comprehensive inauguration also included the dedication of various development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore to the nation in Meerut, aimed at further boosting infrastructure and public welfare in the region. One of the most notable features of this launch is the Meerut Metro, which has been hailed as India's fastest metro system. It boasts a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph and is designed to cover the 21-kilometer stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in approximately 30 minutes, including all scheduled stoppages. In a pioneering initiative for the country, the Meerut Metro will operate on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat RRTS. This integrated model is set to provide a seamless travel experience, facilitating both high-speed intercity travel via Namo Bharat and swift intra-city movement through the Meerut Metro. The Namo Bharat trains, part of the Regional Rapid Transit System, are designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of up to 160 kmph. The entire 82-km corridor will significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an hour, a drastic improvement from previous commuting durations. The newly inaugurated sections include a 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and a 21-km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The Sarai Kale Khan station in Delhi is positioned as a major multi-modal hub, providing seamless connectivity to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the Ring Road. This strategic integration aims to decongest roads, reduce vehicular carbon dioxide emissions, and promote sustainable public transport systems, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision for transforming urban mobility and enhancing the ease of living for citizens. Commuters are expected to benefit immensely from this enhanced connectivity. Professionals working in major urban hubs like Delhi and Noida can now reside further afield, improving work-life balance and reducing commuting costs. Students, entrepreneurs, and families will also experience easier travel for education, business, and personal needs. The operationalization of the full corridor is projected to significantly increase daily ridership, further solidifying its role as a backbone of regional transportation in the National Capital Region. While the first priority section of Namo Bharat was inaugurated in October 2023, today's event marks the complete operationalization of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor and the introduction of the Meerut Metro, representing a substantial upgrade to India's public transportation infrastructure.

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