NCRTC launches Meerut Metro and final section of Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS Corridor

Meerut, India (Metro Rail Today): Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the full 82-km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (RRTS) corridor along with the Meerut Metro route in Meerut, describing the project as a fresh surge of energy for a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” and a “Viksit Bharat.” The occasion marked a historic first for India, with both a rapid rail and a metro service launched from a single platform on the same day.

Calling the integrated system a glimpse of connectivity in a Developed India, the Prime Minister said the project combines the efficiency of Metro services for intra-city travel with the speed of Namo Bharat trains to advance the “Twin Cities” vision of Delhi and Meerut. He highlighted that, for the first time in the country, rapid rail and metro trains are operating on the same track and stations within Meerut, setting a new benchmark in multimodal integration.

Shri Modi noted that such seamless connectivity would allow commuters to travel within Meerut or directly to Delhi without the need to relocate for work or education. He also pointed out the integration of Indian Railways, Metro services, and bus terminals at major hubs such as Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut.

During his visit, the Prime Minister travelled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. He described the project as a symbol of ‘Nari Shakti,’ noting that a large number of train operators and station control staff are women. Congratulating the people of Uttar Pradesh, he said the launch of the country’s first full Namo Bharat corridor reflects the speed and scale of modern infrastructure development in India.

Recalling his association with Meerut, the Prime Minister mentioned that his national election campaigns in 2014, 2019 and 2024 began from this historic city. He thanked the farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs of the region for their continued support. He observed that before 2014, metro services were operational in only five cities, whereas today they run in more than 25 cities, making India home to the world’s third-largest metro network.

Shri Modi emphasized that large-scale investments in infrastructure such as expressways, freight corridors and the Jewar International Airport are generating employment and attracting industries to the region. He described Uttar Pradesh as a land of labour and creativity, where heritage and development are progressing together.

Highlighting support for the MSME sector, the Prime Minister referred to a ₹10,000 crore special fund announced in the Union Budget to ease access to credit. He also mentioned initiatives to support weavers and small entrepreneurs, including the removal of the ₹10 lakh limit on courier exports, enabling businesses in Meerut and across Uttar Pradesh to directly access global markets.

Paying tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh, he noted that the Bharat Ratna conferred upon him reflects the government’s commitment to farmers. Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, nearly ₹95,000 crore has been disbursed to farmers in Uttar Pradesh, he said, adding that improved law and order has contributed to economic growth and manufacturing expansion in the state.

Service Highlights

Commercial operations for both the Meerut Metro and the complete Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor commenced at 6:00 PM on 22 February 2026.

The Meerut Metro operates at a maximum speed of 120 kmph, making it the fastest metro system in India. It covers its 23-km urban stretch in approximately 30 minutes. The line runs between Meerut South and Modipuram Depot and comprises 13 stations, including elevated, underground and at-grade sections.

The project also marks the completion of the entire 82-km RRTS corridor from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut. The Namo Bharat service now connects Delhi and Meerut in about 55–60 minutes, significantly reducing travel time from the earlier two-hour road journey.

Within Meerut, interchange between Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat services is available at key stations including Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram. The Sarai Kale Khan hub in Delhi provides seamless connectivity to the Delhi Metro Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and the ISBT, ensuring multi-modal integration.

The inauguration of the Namo Bharat corridor and Meerut Metro marks a transformative step in regional mobility, strengthening connectivity between Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh while redefining the standards of integrated urban and regional transit in India.