PM Modi to Inaugurate Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, today to dedicate the complete 82 km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor to the nation. According to official statements, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for developmental projects worth more than ₹12,930 crore. The highlight of the visit is the flagging off of the 'Namo Bharat' rapid train and the Meerut Metro at the Shatabdi Nagar station at approximately 12:30 PM. This marks the operationalization of the entire stretch from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut.

Technical Specifications and Speed of Namo Bharat

The Namo Bharat train is India's first semi-high-speed regional rail service, designed to operate at a maximum speed of 180 km/h. With an operational speed of 160 km/h, it Notably slashes the travel time between Delhi and Meerut. The journey from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram, which currently takes over two hours by road, will now be completed in just 55 minutes. The trains are equipped with modern amenities including Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, ergonomic seating, and dedicated space for luggage. Each train set features a specially designated coach for women and a premium class coach for enhanced passenger comfort.

Expansion of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the remaining critical sections of the 82 km corridor today. This includes the 5 km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and the 21 km section from Meerut South to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. While the Sahibabad to Meerut South portion was previously operational, the opening of these new segments ensures a continuous high-speed link across the entire route. The Sarai Kale Khan station has been developed as a major intermodal hub, providing smooth connectivity with the Delhi Metro, the Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

Integration of Meerut Metro Services

A unique aspect of this infrastructure project is the integration of the Meerut Metro with the RRTS infrastructure. For the first time in India, a local metro system will operate on the same tracks as a high-speed regional rail. The Meerut Metro will serve the local transportation needs within Meerut city, stopping at stations like Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram. This dual-service model is designed to optimize resource utilization and provide passengers with easy transfers between local and regional services. The metro coaches are distinct from the Namo Bharat coaches but share the same world-class station facilities.

Connectivity Benefits for NCR Regions

The full operationalization of the Namo Bharat corridor is expected to transform connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR). Key stations on this route include Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Murad Nagar, Modi Nagar South, Modi Nagar North, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, and Modipuram, while at Anand Vihar, the system integrates with the Blue and Pink lines of the Delhi Metro, the Anand Vihar Railway Station, and the ISBT. This multi-modal integration aims to reduce traffic congestion on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and lower the carbon footprint of daily commuters.

Schedule of the Inauguration Ceremony

As per the official itinerary, after flagging off the train at Shatabdi Nagar, Prime Minister Modi will travel on the metro to the Meerut South station. Following the ride, at approximately 1:00 PM, he will address a public gathering in Meerut. During the event, he will also unveil several other infrastructure projects worth ₹12,930 crore, focusing on road connectivity and urban development in Western Uttar Pradesh. The Namo Bharat project has been executed under the 'Make in India' initiative, with the rolling stock manufactured at Alstom's factory in Savli, Gujarat, showcasing indigenous engineering capabilities.