Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the remaining stretches of the 82-km Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and the 23-km Meerut Metro, India’s fastest metro service, giving a major boost to regional connectivity across Delhi-NCR. Services will begin at 6 pm after the inauguration.
The Prime Minister flagged off a 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, a 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram, and the metro section from Meerut South to Modipuram from Shatabdi Nagar station. The end-to-end journey between Delhi and Meerut will take just under an hour.
PM Modi, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) officials, took a metro ride from Shatabdi Nagar to Meerut South. He interacted with passengers. The Prime Minister was also briefed by officials about the functioning of the Namo Bharat train and the project.
The Prime Minister was received by Adityanath at the Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad. He then proceeded to Meerut to inaugurate the RRTS stretches and Meerut Metro, before addressing a rally. Before the rally, he inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth about Rs 12,930 crore.
Designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, the RRTS will significantly cut travel time between Delhi and key urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut.
The Meerut Metro, which runs alongside the RRTS on several stretches, is India’s fastest metro, with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. It will cover the entire route in about 30 minutes. This will be the first time in India that both the Namo Bharat train and metro will run on the same tracks built for the RRTS.
The 23-km corridor has 13 stations — Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahmapuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, Begumpul, MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North, Modipuram and Modipuram Depot. Passengers can interchange between the Metro and RRTS at Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram.
Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is among the four Namo Bharat stations which were commissioned. Developed as a major multi-modal hub, it connects Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and the Ring Road. The other three stations opened — Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram — are located in Meerut.
The Delhi–Meerut RRTS offers smart ticketing vending machines and QR code-based tickets, ensuring a fast and seamless cashless travel experience. Six platforms have been constructed keeping future expansion in mind, allowing integration with the proposed Delhi–Alwar and Delhi–Karnal rapid rail corridors.
The Namo Bharat train reflects the design and feel of a bullet train, featuring a fully digital driver console built to handle speeds of up to 180 km per hour. For enhanced comfort, premium coaches are available with facilities such as mobile and laptop charging points, sun-protection blinds, and comfortable seating.
There is also a dedicated coach for women. The train provides ample luggage space and additional standing room for passengers during peak hours. Thoughtful amenities such as bottle holders, magazine racks, and footrests further enhance passenger comfort, making the RRTS a modern and commuter-friendly transport system.
Ahead of the inauguration, Adityanath reviewed preparations on Saturday, inspecting cleanliness, security and passenger facilities at stations.
He also assessed arrangements at the public meeting venue, including stage setup, traffic management, security deployment, parking and VIP movement plans. Meerut MP Arun Govil accompanied him during the inspection.
The inauguration of the RRTS and Meerut Metro is part of the Centre’s broader push to expand regional rapid transit networks in Delhi-NCR, aimed at reducing travel time, easing congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
