PM Modi flags off India’s fastest metro and Namo Bharat train in Meerut — routes, speed and benefits explained
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated India’s fastest metro service and the country’s first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The inauguration marked a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development, with the launch of these advanced transportation systems aimed at improving connectivity between Delhi and major cities in the region. PM Modi flagged off the remaining portions of the 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor and the Meerut Metro service, which are expected to revolutionize regional travel by significantly reducing journey times.
The Namo Bharat RRTS, designed for speeds up to 180 kmph, connects Delhi with key urban centers like Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut. This system will cut the travel time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an hour, benefiting thousands of commuters daily. The corridor includes a 5-km underground stretch in Delhi and a 21-km elevated segment in Uttar Pradesh, with Sarai Kale Khan as the starting point in Delhi and Modipuram as the terminal station in Meerut. The system integrates seamlessly with other modes of transport, including the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, ensuring efficient connectivity across the region.
The Meerut Metro service, running on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat system, is India’s fastest metro network with an operational speed of up to 120 kmph. It covers a 68-km stretch in Uttar Pradesh, featuring 12 stations and fully air-conditioned three-coach trains equipped with modern amenities like USB ports, CCTV cameras, and regenerative braking systems. The metro service is expected to reduce travel time between Meerut South and Modipuram to just 30 minutes, making it a game-changer for urban mobility in the region.
This initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision of a developed India and a modern Uttar Pradesh. By reducing road congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and boosting economic growth, these projects reflect the
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026