Meerut, India — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and the Meerut Metro, marking a major milestone in India’s high-speed urban and regional transport infrastructure.
With the launch, travel time between Delhi and Meerut has been reduced to just 55 minutes, offering fast, reliable, and sustainable connectivity for commuters across the National Capital Region (NCR).
High-Speed Regional Connectivity
The Namo Bharat service operates along the Delhi–Meerut RRTS Corridor, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System. The 82.15-kilometer corridor runs from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh, with approximately 70 kilometers elevated and 12 kilometers underground.
Designed for speeds of up to 180 km/h, the trains currently operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, with an average speed of around 90 km/h. The corridor includes 16 stations and is aimed at easing road congestion while promoting cleaner, faster regional travel.
Sarai Kale Khan, the largest station on the route, stands about 22 meters tall and serves as a major multimodal transit hub.
India’s Fastest Metro Launched
Alongside the RRTS, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Meerut Metro, now India’s fastest metro system. The metro operates on a 23-kilometer stretch between Meerut South and the Modipuram Depot, completing the journey in about 30 minutes.
The metro trains are designed for a top operational speed of 120 km/h and are focused on improving intra-city mobility within Meerut. The system includes 13 stations and features modern amenities such as platform screen doors, CCTV surveillance, USB charging ports, and accessibility features for elderly and differently abled passengers.
Inauguration Schedule and Public Address
Prime Minister Modi arrived at Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad earlier in the day and flagged off both the Namo Bharat train and the Meerut Metro from Shatabdi Nagar station. He later traveled on the metro to Meerut South before heading to Mohiuddinpur, where he addressed a public gathering.
During the event, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore, covering infrastructure, urban development, and public welfare sectors.
Security and Arrangements
Extensive security measures were put in place for the Prime Minister’s visit, including SPG commandos, armored vehicles, medical teams, and surveillance units. The area was declared a no-fly zone, and traffic diversions were implemented to ensure smooth movement and safety.
A Boost to Sustainable Urban Mobility
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the launch of these projects reflects the government’s commitment to expanding high-speed, environment-friendly transport systems that reduce travel time, improve quality of life, and support economic growth.
While the Namo Bharat RRTS focuses on fast intercity travel between Delhi and Meerut, the Meerut Metro is expected to transform daily commuting within the city—together setting a new benchmark for urban and regional transportation in India.