Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and dedicated the 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation, describing the moment as the beginning of a new era of world-class infrastructure for Uttar Pradesh and the country.
Addressing a gathering in Meerut, the Prime Minister said, “Today, Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing a new era of world-class infrastructure.” He termed the inauguration of the Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train and the new RRTS section as a major step towards making life in the National Capital Region (NCR) “simpler, smoother and more convenient.”
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, both the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro were launched from the same platform and will operate on shared tracks and stations. “It is happening for the first time in the country that Namo Bharat and Metro rail will operate on the same station and on the same track,” the Prime Minister said. “From the very same platform, one will be able to travel within the city, and from that same station, one can also commute directly to and from Delhi.”
Highlighting the government’s approach to infrastructure development, PM Modi said, “Our work culture is such that once the foundation stone of a task is laid, day and night are merged to complete it, that is why now projects do not remain pending like before.” He added that he had laid the foundation stone for both the Namo Bharat and Metro services and was now fortunate to inaugurate them.
During his visit, the Prime Minister travelled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. He described the project as a symbol of ‘Nari Shakti’, noting that many train operators and station control staff are women.
Referring to the expansion of metro networks across the country, PM Modi said that before 2014, metro services operated in only five cities, whereas today they run in more than 25 cities, making India home to the world’s third-largest metro network.
The Prime Minister underlined the strategic integration of Indian Railways, metro services and bus stands at key stations such as Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut, saying the system would ease daily commutes and reduce the need for workers and students to reside in rented accommodation in Delhi.
Emphasising India’s rising global stature, PM Modi said, “Many developed countries of the world are today signing trade agreements with India. Today, developed countries are eager to partner with India. This is because they see their own future in India’s development and they see hope in India’s youth power.” He added that the world now views India as a country capable of providing solutions to 21st-century challenges.
Touching upon economic initiatives, the Prime Minister highlighted a ₹10,000 crore special fund announced in the Union Budget to ease credit for MSMEs. He also referred to steps aimed at helping weavers and small entrepreneurs, including removal of the ₹10 lakh limit on sending goods through courier, enabling direct online sales to international customers.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, PM Modi said the Meerut-Hapur region had long reflected his vision. “It has been the good fortune of our government that we got the privilege of conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Chaudhary Charan Singh ji,” he said, adding that the government continues to work towards increasing farmers’ incomes through food processing and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
The Prime Minister also noted that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a transformation in law and order and industrial growth, stating that improved security has contributed to economic expansion, manufacturing growth and new investments, including the laying of the foundation for the state’s first semiconductor factory.
“UP is being transformed into a manufacturing hub,” he said, concluding that a developed Uttar Pradesh is essential for building a developed India.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the launch as a “major gift” to the state ahead of Holi, noting that the Meerut–Delhi travel time has reduced dramatically over the past decade. “10-11 years ago, the distance from Meerut to Delhi was a challenge in itself. It took 4-5 hours… But today, a 12-lane highway and expressway connect Delhi to Meerut. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro are bringing this distance even closer,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
