PM Modi Flags Off Full Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS, Meerut Metro

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a pivotal moment in India's infrastructure development by flagging off the full 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor and the Meerut Metro. The inaugural event took place at the Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also present. This dual inauguration represents a significant leap towards improving regional connectivity, easing urban congestion, and promoting sustainable transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Prime Minister dedicated the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation, while also inaugurating the remaining operational sections of India's first Namo Bharat RRTS. These critical newly opened stretches include a 5-kilometer segment between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and a 21-kilometer section connecting Meerut South to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. With these additions, the entire corridor, which connects Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, became fully operational. The project is a monumental undertaking, developed at an estimated cost of ₹30,274 crore for the entire RRTS system. A standout feature of this inauguration is the launch of Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram. This makes Meerut the newest city in Uttar Pradesh to join the metro network, standing alongside cities like Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, and Kanpur. What makes the Meerut Metro unique is its seamless integration with the Namo Bharat RRTS, operating on the same infrastructure – a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The Meerut Metro boasts an impressive maximum operational speed of approximately 120 kmph, making it India's fastest metro system and capable of covering its entire stretch in about 30 minutes, including all scheduled halts. The Namo Bharat RRTS itself is designed for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, facilitating ultra-fast intercity travel. This rapid transit system is expected to drastically cut down the travel time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an hour, significantly reducing the previous journey time which could stretch to four to five hours by road. The corridor connects major urban centers such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut with Delhi, providing high-speed and high-frequency connectivity. Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, has been strategically developed as a major multi-modal hub, offering seamless connectivity with Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the Ring Road. Following the flag-off ceremony, Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by CM Adityanath, took a ride on the newly launched Meerut Metro from Shatabdi Nagar to Meerut South station, personally experiencing the rapid transit system. Beyond the transit projects, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated various other development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore to the nation in Meerut. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized that these projects would give a significant thrust to the vision of 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh' (Developed Uttar Pradesh) and 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). He highlighted his government's commitment to completing all projects in a time-bound manner and underscored the 'double engine growth' facilitated by the BJP government. The launch of these projects is anticipated to catalyze economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for millions of commuters and residents in the NCR. The improved connectivity is also expected to positively impact the real estate market along the corridor, unlocking new land banks and making Tier 2 towns like Meerut more attractive for homebuyers and developers. With services expected to run at frequent intervals, the Namo Bharat RRTS and Meerut Metro are set to redefine urban and regional travel in India.

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