Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit System and dedicated the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation, marking a historic milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure. On the same occasion, he also inaugurated the Meerut Metro, making it the first time in India that a rapid rail and a metro service have been launched from a single platform on the same day and configured to operate on the same station and track.
Addressing a large gathering in Meerut, the Prime Minister described the development as a defining moment for Uttar Pradesh and the country, stating that a new era of world class infrastructure has begun. He said the inauguration of the Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train and the new section of the Regional Rapid Transit System will make life in the National Capital Region simpler, smoother and more convenient.
Highlighting the government’s execution model, Narendra Modi said projects no longer remain pending after foundation stones are laid. He noted that once a project is initiated, work continues day and night until completion. Referring to the Namo Bharat and Metro services, he said he had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for both and has now also been fortunate to inaugurate them.
The Prime Minister underlined that for the first time in the country, Namo Bharat and Metro rail services will operate from the same station and on the same track. From a single platform, commuters will be able to travel within Meerut city via the Metro and also directly to and from Delhi through Namo Bharat services. He said this integration will reduce the need for many workers and students to live in rented accommodation in Delhi, as seamless high speed connectivity will enable daily commuting.
During his visit, Narendra Modi travelled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. He described the project as a symbol of Nari Shakti, noting that most train operators and station control staff are women.
Recalling his association with Meerut, he said that his national election campaigns in 2014, 2019 and 2024 began from this historic land. He thanked the farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs of the region for their continued support and contribution to development.
Providing context to the country’s urban mobility expansion, the Prime Minister said that before 2014, metro services were operational in only five cities, whereas today metros are running in more than 25 cities, making India the third largest metro network in the world. He highlighted the integration of Indian Railways, Metro and bus terminals at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut as a unique feature of the corridor.
Narendra Modi stated that investments in modern infrastructure including expressways, freight corridors and the upcoming Jewar International Airport are generating large scale employment opportunities and attracting new industries to the region. He said Uttar Pradesh is moving from an era once associated with riots and crime to one identified with Brahmos production, mobile manufacturing and tourism growth.
The Prime Minister also referred to India’s growing global stature, stating that many developed countries are signing trade agreements with India. He said these nations see their future in India’s development and place hope in India’s youth power. According to him, the world increasingly views India as a country capable of providing solutions to 21st century challenges.
Addressing the MSME sector, Narendra Modi highlighted a ₹10,000 crore special fund announced in the Union Budget to ease credit access for small enterprises. He also mentioned initiatives aimed at helping weavers and small entrepreneurs access global markets. The removal of the ₹10 lakh limit on sending goods through courier services, he said, will enable small entrepreneurs in Meerut and across Uttar Pradesh to sell directly to customers in the United States and Europe through online platforms.
Referring to Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Prime Minister said the Meerut–Hapur region has long reflected his vision. He noted that the government conferred the Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh in recognition of his contribution. Inspired by that vision, he said, the government is working to enhance farmers’ incomes through food processing and schemes such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Nearly ₹95,000 crore has been provided to farmers in Uttar Pradesh under this scheme so far.
Narendra Modi reiterated that a developed Uttar Pradesh is essential for a developed India. He noted that the foundation stone for the state’s first semiconductor factory has recently been laid and that improved law and order has triggered economic expansion and a manufacturing boom.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor and Meerut Metro represent not just transport projects but symbols of a new development model driven by speed, scale and integration, strengthening both regional connectivity and national ambition.
