New Delhi/Meerut – Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a big move for better transport in India on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He opened the full 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. This project, worth about Rs 30,274 crore, will cut down the time to travel from Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut’s Modipuram to less than an hour. The trains can go up to 160 km per hour. At the same time, he started the Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram stations. This metro is called India’s fastest, with speeds up to 120 km per hour. The event happened at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station in Meerut, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by his side. Modi called it a new start for world-class roads and rails in Uttar Pradesh and the whole country.
The Namo Bharat corridor is India’s first full rapid rail system. It connects big cities like Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. Now, people can travel faster and easier in the National Capital Region (NCR). Modi said this will make life simpler and better for everyone in the area. He also talked about how it fits with the Delhi-Meerut Expressway to help businesses grow in Uttar Pradesh. During a rally after the opening, Modi took a dig at the Congress party over a recent protest. Some Congress workers had gone shirtless at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Modi joked in Hindi, “Aap pehle se hi nange ho, toh kapde utaarne ki kya zaroorat thi?” which means “You were already naked, so why the need to remove clothes?” He said this showed how low the party has gone in politics.
A court in Delhi turned down bail for four Congress activists arrested for the protest. The judge said such acts hurt India’s image in front of the world. The protest was against a trade deal with the US, and the workers shouted slogans calling the Prime Minister “compromised.” This added some drama to the day, but the main focus stayed on the new rail project.
The Grand Inauguration Ceremony
The day started with Modi reaching Meerut around noon. He went to the Shatabdi Nagar station, where crowds waited to see the new trains. The station was decorated with flowers and lights. Modi waved a green flag to start the Namo Bharat train and the Meerut Metro. This marked the end of the RRTS project, which had been built in parts over the years. The last bits opened were a 5-km stretch in Delhi from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar and a 21-km part in Uttar Pradesh from Meerut South to Modipuram.
Modi spoke to the people there. He said, “Today, Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing a new era of world-class infrastructure.” He praised how the trains will help people move quickly between cities. Yogi Adityanath also spoke, thanking Modi for bringing such big projects to UP. He said this will create jobs and help the state grow. The event was live on TV, and many people shared photos and videos on social media. One user on X posted, “A historic day for Meerut! The wait is finally over!”
The RRTS is not just a train line. It is part of a bigger plan to connect cities in the NCR. Other corridors like Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat are also in the works. Modi said this is like building “twin cities” where people can live in one place and work in another without long travels.
Key Features of the Namo Bharat RRTS and Meerut Metro
The Delhi-Meerut corridor is 82.15 km long. Most of it, about 68 km, is elevated. Some parts are underground in busy areas like Delhi and Meerut. There are 25 stations in total, with two depots at Duhai and Modipuram for repairs. The trains are made in India, with a design speed of 180 km per hour. But they run at 160 km per hour for safety. The average speed is 100 km per hour, much faster than normal trains or buses.
Inside the trains, it is comfortable. There are seats for women, places for wheelchairs, and charging points for phones. The Meerut Metro is special because it uses the same tracks as the RRTS. This is the first time in India. The metro covers 23 km with 13 stations and runs at 120 km per hour, making it the fastest metro in the country. Fares are affordable. A full trip from Delhi to Meerut costs about Rs 210. Short rides in the metro are Rs 20 to 60.
The project helps the environment too. Fewer cars on roads mean less pollution. It also connects to the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, so people can switch from car to train easily. Parking is available at stations, with charges starting low.
Economic Boost for Uttar Pradesh
This rail line is a game-changer for UP’s economy. Modi said it will bring more jobs and business. Areas like Ghaziabad and Meerut will grow faster. People can commute daily from Meerut to Delhi for work, saving time and money. Businesses can move goods quicker, helping trade. Yogi Adityanath added that UP is now a leader in infrastructure, thanks to Modi’s plans.
The project cost Rs 30,274 crore, but it includes other developments worth Rs 12,930 crore dedicated that day. Experts say it will pay back by boosting tourism and real estate. New homes and offices will come up near stations. It also helps decongest Delhi by spreading people to nearby cities.
One local businessman in Meerut said, “This train will change our lives. I can now meet clients in Delhi without wasting a whole day.” Such stories show how the project touches everyday people.
PM Modi’s Rally and Jabs at Congress
After the train flag-off, Modi spoke at a big rally in Meerut. He talked about India’s growth under his rule. But he also hit out at the Congress. He brought up the shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit a few days before. The summit was about AI tech, with guests from around the world. But some Youth Congress workers took off their shirts and shouted against the government. They were protesting a trade deal with the US, saying it hurt India.
Modi called it “gandi aur nangi rajneeti” or dirty and shameless politics. He said, “The country already knows you are naked; why did you need to remove your clothes?” The crowd laughed and clapped. He added that Congress turned a global event into a stage for cheap tricks.
Even some Congress allies like Akhilesh Yadav from Samajwadi Party said the protest was wrong. It shamed India in front of foreigners. The Delhi court agreed. While rejecting bail for the four arrested, the judge said such acts “imperil the Republic’s image” and need strong action.
Congress defended it, saying it was to show how the government is “selling out” India’s interests. But many called it a bad move that took attention away from important talks at the summit.
Background and Journey of the RRTS Project
The idea for RRTS started years ago to fix traffic problems in NCR. The Delhi-Meerut line was picked first because of the busy road between the cities. Work began in 2019, but delays happened due to land issues and the pandemic. Parts opened in 2023 and 2025, but the full line came on February 22, 2026.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) built it. They used new tech like automatic signals for safety. The trains are made at a factory in Gujarat, supporting Make in India. Now, with the full corridor open, trains run every 10 minutes from 6 AM to 10 PM.
This is just the start. More RRTS lines are planned, covering over 350 km and helping millions. It shows Modi’s focus on fast growth.
Challenges and Future Plans
Building the RRTS was not easy. There were protests over land and costs. But the government fixed them. Now, the focus is on running it well. Safety is key, with cameras and emergency stops.
In the future, the RRTS will link to airports and other metros. This will make NCR like one big city. Modi said more such projects will come to other states too.
One expert from a think tank said, “This corridor will set an example for high-speed urban transport in India.” It could help reduce city crowds and pollution.
FAQ
What is the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS corridor?
The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS is an 82-km high-speed rail line connecting Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut’s Modipuram. It is India’s first full regional rapid transit system, designed to cut travel time from over two hours by road to under 60 minutes. The corridor has 25 stations, mostly elevated, and integrates with the Meerut Metro for local travel. Built at a cost of Rs 30,274 crore, it uses modern trains with features like AC coaches, women-only seats, and wheelchair access. It aims to ease traffic, reduce pollution, and boost economic ties between Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.
When did PM Modi inaugurate the RRTS and Meerut Metro?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the full corridor and flagged off the Meerut Metro on February 22, 2026, at Shatabdi Nagar station in Meerut. Services started at 6 PM the same day. This completed the project after partial openings in previous years.
What are the speeds and travel times for the trains?
The Namo Bharat trains have a design speed of 180 kmph, operational speed of 160 kmph, and average speed of 100 kmph. The full Delhi-Meerut trip takes about 55-58 minutes. The Meerut Metro runs at up to 120 kmph, faster than other metros in India.
How much does it cost to travel on the RRTS?
Fares vary by distance. A full trip from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram costs Rs 210. Short metro rides in Meerut are Rs 20-60. Tickets can be bought via apps or stations.
What was the Congress protest that PM Modi mentioned?
At the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Youth Congress workers staged a shirtless protest against an India-US trade deal. They shouted slogans and held T-shirts calling the PM “compromised.” Four were arrested, and a court rejected their bail, saying it damaged India’s image. Modi criticized it as “dirty politics” in his rally.
How will this project help the economy?
It will create jobs in transport, tourism, and business. Faster travel means more trade between Delhi and UP. It integrates with the expressway, reducing road congestion and pollution. Areas near stations will see new homes and shops, growing the local economy.
What are the stations on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS?
Key stations include Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, Duhai, Modinagar North, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, and Modipuram. The Meerut Metro shares some like Meerut South to Modipuram.
Is the RRTS safe and eco-friendly?
Yes, it has advanced signals, cameras, and emergency features. By taking cars off roads, it cuts emissions. Stations have solar power and green designs.