Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat RRTS, on Sunday, during his visit to Shatabdi Nagar in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, while also dedicating development works worth around Rs 12,930 crore to the city. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister is set to take a metro ride to Meerut South station and is scheduled to address a public gathering on the occasion.The programme will mark the full operationalisation of the 82-km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor alongside the launch of the Meerut Metro. Both services will run on shared infrastructure, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The integrated network is expected to enable faster intercity and intra-city travel, help decongest roads and reduce vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.
How will Namo Bharat RRTS benefit commuters?
The inauguration of the Namo Bharat RRTS is expected to boost daily life across the NCR by sharply reducing travel time between Meerut, Ghaziabad and Delhi. Improved connectivity will allow professionals to live farther from the capital while continuing to work in major urban hubs, helping enhance work-life balance and lower commuting costs. At the same time, students, entrepreneurs and families are also set to benefit from easier travel for education, business and personal needs.
Since its launch in October 2023 and the phased opening of the 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor, the Namo Bharat system has already enhanced transportation in the region, enabling many to remain based in Meerut and parts of Ghaziabad while pursuing careers in Delhi and Noida. With the entire corridor becoming operational, this integration is expected to deepen further.Cutting travel time: The Delhi–Meerut RRTS enables travel from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram in 58 minutes, to Begumpul in 54 minutes, and to Shatabdi Nagar in 50 minutes — all within an hour. By comparison, the same journey by road takes about one and a half hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Route: The 82 km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor also includes the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.Speed: Designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160 kmph, Namo Bharat is India’s first regional rapid transit system intended to transform high-speed intercity travel.
Key centers: Sarai Kale Khan, the starting point of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations being commissioned as part of this inauguration. It 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 Ring Road. The remaining three stations—Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram—aee situated in Meerut.
Highlights of Meerut Metro
Alongside the RRTS rollout, PM Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate the Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram. In a first-of-its-kind move in the country, the Meerut Metro will run on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat corridor. Here are the key features of the Meerut metro that will enhance the journey for commuters:First of its kind initiative: Meerut Metro will operate on the same tracks and infrastructure as the Namo Bharat system in a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. This integrated model aims to enable high-speed intercity travel alongside swift intra-city movement. It is also expected to help decongest road traffic and significantly reduce vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.Travel time: The metro will cover the 21-km Meerut South–Modipuram corridor in about 30 minutes, including all scheduled stoppages.Speed: Meerut Metro will be India’s fastest metro system, with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph.Features: The service will run on a 21-km corridor with 12 stations. The fully air-conditioned three-coach trains feature modern stainless-steel, lightweight trainsets in a fluorescent green, blue and orange colour scheme. They are energy-efficient, equipped with regenerative braking systems, and compatible with Automatic Train Protection and Automatic Train Operation technologies. Facilities also include luggage racks, CCTV cameras and USB charging ports.Seating: Each train has a capacity of over 700 passengers, including 173 seated commuters, and offers a mix of transverse and longitudinal cushioned seating. Reserved seating has been provided for women, senior citizens and passengers with disabilities.
