PM Modi, CM Yogi Inaugurate High-Speed Delhi–Meerut Rapid Rail, 23-km Meerut Metro

In a major push for high-speed regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled the fully operational 82-km Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor along with the 23-km Meerut Metro. With the final stretches now open, the National Capital Region gets its first seamless rapid rail link, shrinking the Delhi-Meerut journey to under an hour. Passenger services on the newly commissioned sections are set to begin at 6 pm.

Engineered for speed and scale, the Namo Bharat RRTS trains are built for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, with regular operations planned up to 160 kmph. Alongside this corridor runs the Meerut Metro - designed to operate at speeds of up to 120 kmph - covering its 23-km urban network in nearly 30 minutes. The shared-track model, a first in India, allows both rapid rail and metro services to function on dedicated RRTS infrastructure.

What's new in this phase

The inauguration completes the last missing links: a 5-km stretch from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and a 21-km section from Meerut South to Modipuram. With these additions, the corridor now offers uninterrupted connectivity between Delhi, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut.

Sarai Kale Khan has been developed as a multi-modal transit hub, connecting with Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Delhi Metro Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and the Ring Road to ease last-mile travel. New RRTS stations launched in this phase include Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram in Meerut.

The Meerut Metro spans 13 stations - from Meerut South to Modipuram Depot - with interchange points at Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, allowing passengers to switch smoothly between metro and rapid rail.

Designed for commuter comfort

The Namo Bharat trains feature a digital driver console, premium coaches with charging ports, cushioned seats and sun blinds, as well as a dedicated women's coach. QR code-based ticketing and smart vending machines have been introduced to enable cashless, faster access. Small additions such as bottle holders, magazine racks and footrests aim to enhance commuter comfort.

Importantly, the corridor has been future-proofed. Six platforms have been constructed to facilitate integration with upcoming rapid rail projects such as Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Karnal, expanding the regional network over time.

High-profile launch

During the event, Narendra Modi travelled on a Namo Bharat train from Shatabdi Nagar to Meerut South, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and NCRTC officials. He interacted with passengers and reviewed safety and operational features.

Earlier in the day, Yogi Adityanath received the Prime Minister at Hindon Airport before heading to Meerut for the inauguration and a public rally. Projects worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore are also being dedicated during the visit. Meerut MP Arun Govil was present during the inspection of preparations.