PM Modi launches 82-km rapid rail and Meerut Metro, cutting Delhi–Meerut travel time to about one hour
Meerut: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Modi) visited Meerut on Sunday and launched development projects worth ₹12,930 crore. During his visit, he flagged off the full 82-kilometre Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor and also inaugurated the Meerut Metro service. The move is seen as a major step towards improving transport and infrastructure in western Uttar Pradesh and across the National Capital Region (NCR).
These projects aim to modernise public transport, reduce travel time, and make daily commuting easier for thousands of people.
Full Corridor Now Open
The main highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the complete 82-kilometre Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The route connects Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut and passes through key NCR areas such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Anand Vihar.
The Namo Bharat trains are designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 km per hour, while their regular operational speed is expected to be around 160 km per hour. With the entire corridor now open, the travel time between Delhi and Meerut is expected to be around 54 to 58 minutes, depending on the stations. Earlier, road travel between the two cities often took more than 90 minutes due to heavy traffic.
Important stations on the corridor include Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram in Meerut, among others.
Phases Opened Earlier
Parts of the corridor had already started operating in phases beginning in late 2023, with additional stretches becoming operational through 2024 and early 2025. Now, with the final sections between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan, and from Meerut South to Modipuram completed, the entire 82-kilometre route has been officially dedicated to the nation.
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This makes it India’s first fully completed Regional Rapid Transit System corridor and it is expected to serve as a model for similar high-speed regional rail projects in other cities.
Meerut Metro Also Launched
Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the Meerut Metro service during the visit. The metro operates on the same high-speed infrastructure as the Namo Bharat trains, making it the first time in India that metro and rapid rail services are running on shared tracks.
The Meerut Metro can operate at speeds of up to about 120 km per hour in regular service, making it one of the fastest metro systems in the country. The service is expected to make travel within Meerut smoother, reduce road congestion and improve overall city connectivity.
The Prime Minister flagged off both the Namo Bharat train and the Meerut Metro from Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station at around 12:30 PM. He also travelled by metro to Meerut South Station as part of the launch event.
₹12,930 Crore Development Push
Apart from the rail projects, the Prime Minister dedicated development works worth approximately ₹12,930 crore in and around Meerut. These projects focus on improving urban mobility, strengthening infrastructure, upgrading public services and supporting economic growth in western Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said the initiatives will help reduce traffic congestion, promote cleaner and more sustainable transport options and create new job opportunities. Improved connectivity is also expected to boost trade and business in the region.
Faster And Better Connectivity
With the full Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor now operational, travel between the two cities has become much faster and more comfortable. The project strengthens regional connectivity within the NCR and supports long-term infrastructure development.
The government says the corridor reflects its commitment to building modern infrastructure, promoting sustainable development and improving the ease of living for citizens.
After launching the projects, Prime Minister Modi addressed a public gathering in Meerut. He said the improved connectivity would transform the region and make daily life easier for people.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations before the visit and described the launch as an important milestone in the state’s development journey.
With India’s first fully completed RRTS corridor now operational, Meerut and the NCR region have entered a new phase of fast, modern and integrated public transport.
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