PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates India’s First Namo Bharat RRTS, Dedicates Delhi–Meerut Corridor to the Nation.
Meerut:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) and flagged off the Meerut Metro route, dedicating the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation. Calling it the dawn of a new era of world-class infrastructure, the Prime Minister said Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing unprecedented transformation in connectivity and urban mobility.
Describing the project as a major boost to a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” and a “Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister said the launch marks a historic milestone, as for the first time in India, both a rapid rail and a metro service will operate from the same station and on the same track.
Seamless Connectivity from a Single Platform
Highlighting the uniqueness of the integrated system, the Prime Minister noted that commuters will now be able to travel within Meerut city via the Metro and directly commute to and from Delhi using Namo Bharat trains—all from the same platform. He said this integration will make life in the National Capital Region (NCR) simpler, smoother, and more convenient, reducing travel time and easing daily commutes for workers, students, and businesspersons.
He emphasized that the project offers a glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a developed India. The corridor integrates Indian Railways, metro services, and bus networks at key stations including Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, ensuring seamless multimodal transport.
Foundation to Inauguration: A New Work Culture
The Prime Minister underlined the government’s commitment to timely execution of projects. “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 projects no longer remain pending like before,” he said.
He noted that he had laid the foundation stones for both the Namo Bharat and Metro services and was now inaugurating them, reflecting a governance model focused on delivery and accountability.
During his visit, the Prime Minister traveled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. He lauded the project as a symbol of women empowerment, highlighting that a majority of the train operators and station control staff are women.
Boost to Economy and Employment
The Prime Minister stated that massive investments in modern infrastructure—such as expressways, freight corridors, and the upcoming Jewar International Airport—are generating large-scale employment opportunities and attracting new industries to the region. He said such initiatives are transforming Uttar Pradesh into a major manufacturing and economic hub.
Referring to India’s expanding global presence, he said many developed countries are signing trade agreements with India and are eager to partner in its growth journey. According to him, the world views India as a power capable of providing solutions to the challenges of the 21st century, drawing strength from its youth population.
Support for MSMEs and Farmers
Addressing the MSME sector, the Prime Minister highlighted a Rs. 10,000 crore special fund announced in the Union Budget to facilitate easier access to loans. He also mentioned measures to support weavers and small entrepreneurs, including the removal of the Rs. 10 lakh limit on sending goods via courier, enabling small businesses in Meerut and across Uttar Pradesh to directly sell products to customers in the United States and Europe through online platforms.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Prime Minister said the Meerut–Hapur region has long reflected his vision for farmers and rural prosperity. He recalled that the government had conferred the Bharat Ratna upon Chaudhary Charan Singh and reiterated its commitment to increasing farmers’ income through food processing initiatives and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Under the scheme, nearly ₹95,000 crore has been transferred to farmers in Uttar Pradesh, he said.
Transforming Uttar Pradesh
The Prime Minister emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has undergone a significant transformation—from an era marked by crime and unrest to one recognized for advancements in defense manufacturing, mobile production, and tourism. He stated that improved law and order has led to a major economic surge and manufacturing boom in the state.
He also noted that the foundation stone for Uttar Pradesh’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility has recently been laid, further strengthening the state’s industrial base.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister asserted that the development of Uttar Pradesh is crucial to achieving the vision of a developed India, and the launch of the Namo Bharat RRTS and Meerut Metro stands as a testament to the nation’s rapidly modernizing infrastructure landscape.
