PM Modi Set To Launch India’s Fastest Metro: All You Need To Know About Namo Bharat And Meerut Metro

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Meerut on Sunday to inaugurate the city's metro network and formally dedicate the complete 82-km Delhi-Meerut rapid rail corridor to the nation.

The project introduces the country's fastest metro service, while also making the Regional Rapid Transit System fully operational between the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh.

At about 12:30 pm, the Prime Minister is scheduled to flag off both the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train from Shatabdi Nagar station. He will travel up to Meerut South and later inaugurate and lay the foundation for projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore.

First Regional Rapid Transit System Now Fully Operational

The 82.15-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System linking Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. Two final segments have now opened to complete the network:

• A 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi
• A 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh

With these sections operational, direct high-speed connectivity between Delhi and Meerut becomes possible. The system is expected to cut the travel time between the two cities to roughly 55 minutes.

The Namo Bharat trains have a design speed of 180 kmph and connect key centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut with Delhi.

Meerut Metro: Route, Stations And Timings

The urban metro inside Meerut spans 23 km and shares infrastructure with the Namo Bharat rapid rail within the city, allowing commuters to change services without exiting stations.

Key operational details

• Design speed: 135 kmph
• Maximum operational speed: 120 kmph
• 21-km stretch travel time: about 30 minutes
• Corridor structure: 16 km elevated and 7 km underground

The corridor includes 13 stations:

• Elevated: Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahmapuri, MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North and Modipuram
• Underground: Meerut Central, Bhaisali and Begumpul
• Modipuram Depot: at-grade station

Four stations, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, will serve both Namo Bharat and the metro.

Service frequency and hours

• Peak hours: every 5 to 10 minutes
• Off-peak: every 10 to 15 minutes
• Weekdays and Saturdays: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Sundays: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Passengers will be able to use a single ticket on both systems. Fare details have not yet been announced.

Passenger Facilities And Onboard Features

The three-coach trains are designed for city travel and can carry over 700 passengers, including seating for 173.

Facilities include:

• Air-conditioned coaches and cushioned seats
• Luggage racks and grab handles
• CCTV cameras and emergency communication systems
• USB charging points and dynamic route maps
• Fire extinguishers and talk-back systems

Platform screen doors will operate in sync with trains. Selective door opening via push buttons aims to conserve energy. Coaches also include reserved seating for women and senior citizens.

Both trains and stations are designed for universal accessibility with wheelchair spaces, medical stretcher areas and large lifts.

Namo Bharat Vs Meerut Metro: Key Differences

Although both operate on shared tracks inside Meerut, their purpose is different.

Namo Bharat (regional travel)

• Design speed: 180 kmph
• Maximum operational speed: 160 kmph
• Average speed: about 90 kmph
• Fewer stops, connecting cities such as Delhi, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut

Meerut Metro (intra-city travel)

• Design speed: 135 kmph
• Operational speed: 120 kmph
• Covers 23-km urban corridor
• Around 30 minutes for a 21-km journey

Project Timeline And Development

The project's detailed report was prepared by RITES in 2016 and submitted to the state government. The foundation stone was laid on March 8, 2019.

The first trial run took place on January 12, 2025 between Meerut South and Meerut Central. With Sunday's inauguration, the entire corridor is now operational, creating a high-speed transit link across major NCR urban centres including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Delhi and Gurugram, and expected to significantly ease highway congestion.