Meerut: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Meerut Metro and flagged off the Namo Bharat train at Shatabdi Nagar Station in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and urban mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Prime Minister also dedicated the 82-kilometre-long Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor and opened the remaining sections of the Rapid Regional Transit System (RRTS), including the 5 km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and the 21 km segment between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi took a ride on the Meerut Metro to Meerut South Station, interacting with passengers and students on board, highlighting the government’s focus on efficient and sustainable public transport solutions.

Designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 kmph, the Namo Bharat RRTS is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and key urban hubs, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut.

Sarai Kale Khan station, the corridor’s originating point, has been developed as a major multimodal transport hub connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and Ring Road. In Meerut, three new stations – Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram – will now be operational.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated Meerut Metro services running between Meerut South and Modipuram. Operating on shared infrastructure with the Namo Bharat RRTS, the Metro will run at a maximum speed of 120 kmph, making it India’s fastest metro corridor. The journey across this stretch will take approximately 30 minutes, covering all scheduled stops.

This integrated operation of regional rapid transit and urban metro services sets a new benchmark for multimodal public transport in India. These projects are expected to ease road congestion, reduce vehicular emissions, and provide faster, environmentally sustainable travel across the NCR.

These initiatives form part of the government’s broader vision to modernise public transport infrastructure and enhance the ease of living for citizens through efficient, green mobility solutions.

Later in the day, PM Modi will inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth ₹12,930 crore and address a public rally.

IANS