PM inaugurates India's fastest metro in Meerut, entire Namo Bharat corridor

PM Inaugurates India’s Fastest Metro in Meerut, Flags Off Entire Namo Bharat Corridor

📅 February 23, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News

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Prime Minister Launches High-Speed Regional Transit Link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated India’s fastest metro service in Meerut and formally flagged off operations across the entire Namo Bharat corridor, marking a major milestone in the country’s regional rapid transit infrastructure.

The event took place in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where the Prime Minister unveiled the completed stretch of the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), also branded as Namo Bharat. Senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) were present at the ceremony.

The Namo Bharat trains are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 180 km/h, with an operational speed of up to 160 km/h, making it the fastest metro or regional transit service currently operational in India, according to NCRTC.

Entire Namo Bharat Corridor Now Operational

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With the inauguration, the entire Namo Bharat corridor connecting Delhi to Meerut is now operational. The corridor spans approximately 82 kilometers, linking key urban centers across the National Capital Region (NCR), including Ghaziabad and Modinagar.

Officials stated that the high-speed regional transit system is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut. According to project authorities, the journey that previously took over two hours by road may now be completed in under one hour via the Namo Bharat service.

The corridor includes multiple elevated and underground sections, modern stations equipped with platform screen doors, and advanced signalling systems designed to ensure high-frequency, safe operations.

Technology and Infrastructure Highlights

The Namo Bharat trains feature aerodynamic design, regenerative braking systems, and automatic train protection technology. The system uses European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 signalling, ensuring real-time monitoring and enhanced safety protocols.

Officials from NCRTC confirmed that the project has been executed with financial assistance from multilateral agencies, including the Asian Development Bank and the New Development Bank. The total project cost has been reported at approximately ₹30,000 crore, though final expenditure figures will be consolidated after full commissioning.

The trains offer standard and premium coach options, onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and accessible infrastructure for differently-abled passengers.

PM’s Address at Inauguration

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Addressing the gathering in Meerut, Prime Minister Modi described the Namo Bharat corridor as a transformative project aimed at strengthening urban mobility and regional economic integration. He stated that the high-speed transit link would boost connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s broader push toward modern infrastructure under initiatives such as Gati Shakti and urban mobility expansion programs.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present at the event, said the corridor would stimulate economic growth in western Uttar Pradesh and enhance employment opportunities.

Impact on NCR Mobility

The Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is India’s first operational RRTS project and is expected to serve lakhs of commuters daily. Officials estimate that the system will reduce vehicular congestion on highways while lowering carbon emissions.

Urban transport experts note that regional rapid transit systems are designed to bridge the gap between metro rail and long-distance railways, offering faster inter-city connectivity within metropolitan regions.

With the full commissioning of the Namo Bharat corridor, authorities have indicated that similar RRTS projects are planned for other NCR routes, including Delhi–Alwar and Delhi–Panipat.

Operations began for passengers later in the day following the formal inauguration ceremony.