Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station, dedicating the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation and marking a major leap in regional connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Calling the launch a “new revolution” for a Viksit Uttar Pradesh and Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister said, “Today, a new revolution is gaining energy for a developed Uttar Pradesh and a developed India. For the first time today, from the same platform, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Metro Service are being inaugurated on the same day. This is a splendid glimpse of what the connectivity of a Viksit Bharat will be like.”
The Prime Minister inaugurated the remaining sections of India’s first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), including the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The corridor connects Delhi with key urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut.
Designed for speeds of up to 180 kmph, Namo Bharat is India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System and is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut. Sarai Kale Khan station has been developed as a major multimodal hub, seamlessly linking Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and Ring Road. Three additional stations – Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram – have also been commissioned in Meerut.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the Meerut Metro will operate on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat RRTS. With a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph, it is set to become India’s fastest metro system, covering the stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in approximately 30 minutes with all scheduled stops.
After flagging off the services, PM Modi undertook a metro ride to Meerut South Station, interacting with passengers and students on board. Recalling conversations during the ride, he said, “Everyone can recall the old days. Especially the sisters and daughters told me that a few years ago, the entire route would fall silent after evening. There used to be an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. Now, the law and order system has improved, and people have convenient and safe travel.”
Highlighting the role of women in the project, he added, “I am happy that this service is being led by our daughters,” noting that many train operators, station operators and staff members are women.
The Prime Minister credited the “double-engine government” for expediting infrastructure development in the state. “Metro within the city and a modern train like Namo Bharat to accelerate the vision of twin cities. I am satisfied that this work has been done in Uttar Pradesh. Our work culture is that we have to work day and night to finish the project whose foundation stone has been laid,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the launch as a “major gift” to the state ahead of Holi, noting that the Meerut–Delhi travel time has reduced dramatically over the past decade. “10-11 years ago, the distance from Meerut to Delhi was a challenge in itself. It took 4-5 hours… But today, a 12-lane highway and expressway connect Delhi to Meerut. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro are bringing this distance even closer,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
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