PM Modi inaugurates full Delhi–Meerut RRTS, Meerut Metro; travel time cut to under an hour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the remaining stretches of the 82-km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) along with the 23-km Meerut Metro, marking the completion of India’s first rapid rail corridor and the rollout of the country’s fastest metro service. Passenger services will commence from 6 pm. 

New links open between Delhi and Meerut

The Prime Minister flagged off a 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and a 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram. He also inaugurated the metro section from Meerut South to Modipuram from Shatabdi Nagar station. With the corridor now fully operational, the end-to-end journey between Delhi and Meerut will take less than an hour. 

Describing the project as a milestone in India’s infrastructure push, Modi said the inauguration signalled “the dawn of a new era of world-class infrastructure” for Uttar Pradesh and the country. He said the launch of the Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train and new RRTS sections would make life in the National Capital Region (NCR) “simpler, smoother and more convenient.” 

Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and officials of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), Modi took a metro ride from Shatabdi Nagar to Meerut South and interacted with passengers. He was briefed on the functioning of the Namo Bharat train and the operational features of the corridor. 

Prime Minister Modi was received by Adityanath at Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad before proceeding to Meerut for the inauguration and a public rally. He also inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth nearly ₹12,930 crore. 

180 kmph design speed to slash travel time between Delhi and Meerut

Designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, the RRTS is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and key urban centres, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut, providing a major boost to regional connectivity and economic activity across Delhi-NCR. 

The Meerut Metro, running alongside the RRTS on several stretches, has a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph and will cover its entire 23-km route in about 30 minutes. This marks the first instance in India where both the Namo Bharat train and a metro service will operate on the same tracks built for the RRTS. 

The 23-km corridor comprises 13 stations: Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahmapuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, Begumpul, MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North, Modipuram, and Modipuram Depot. Interchange facilities between the Metro and RRTS are available at Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram. 

Officials said the integrated high-speed transit system is expected to ease congestion, reduce pollution and enhance commuter convenience while setting a benchmark for future regional rapid transit projects across the country.