PM Modi Inaugurates Full Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the remaining sections of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), completing the 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor. The newly opened stretches include the 5-km link between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21-km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The RRTS has also been integrated with the Meerut Metro, marking a major milestone in high-speed regional connectivity.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the corridor as a glimpse of connectivity in a developed India, combining metro systems for intra-city travel with Namo Bharat trains for rapid inter-city movement.

Seamless Multi-Modal Integration

The Sarai Kale Khan station has emerged as a major multi-modal transport hub. It connects Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and Ring Road. Similar integration has been ensured at Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut, linking Indian Railways, Metro services and bus terminals.

The Prime Minister noted that such integration would enable commuters to travel within cities or directly to Delhi, reducing the need for workers and students to reside in rented accommodation in the capital.

Boost to Regional Development

The government highlighted that investments in expressways, freight corridors and the upcoming Jewar International Airport are generating large-scale employment. The RRTS corridor is expected to stimulate economic activity across the National Capital Region (NCR) and strengthen the “twin cities” development vision.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the corridor would accelerate economic growth, ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions by lowering dependence on private vehicles.

Plans for New Rapid Rail Corridors

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal announced that two new rapid rail corridors originating from Sarai Kale Khan are under consideration. One proposed corridor will connect Sarai Kale Khan to Karnal in Haryana over a distance of about 125–130 km, with a projected travel time of around 90 minutes. Another corridor is planned towards Babarpur in Haryana and Neemrana in Rajasthan.

Important Facts for Exams

• RRTS is designed for high-speed regional transit, distinct from conventional metro systems.
• The Delhi–Meerut corridor spans 82 km and integrates with the Meerut Metro.
• Sarai Kale Khan serves as a multi-modal hub linking railways, metro and bus terminals.
• Rapid rail projects aim to reduce congestion and carbon emissions in urban regions.

Transforming NCR Connectivity

The completion of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor marks India’s first operational regional rapid rail system. It is expected to significantly cut travel time, enhance urban mobility and reshape development patterns across Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Haryana and Rajasthan regions.