New Delhi, Feb. 22, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the remaining stretch of the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor on Sunday, marking the completion of the entire 82.15-kilometer high-speed transit route. The launch will officially open the full corridor to passengers, ending a seven-year wait for one of India’s most ambitious regional transit projects.
The event will be attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with senior state and central leaders. The corridor connects Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut and is expected to significantly cut travel time between the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh.
Project Overview
Total Length: 82.15 km
Elevated: ~70 km
Underground: ~12 km
Project Cost: approx. ₹30,274 crore
Previously Operational Section: 55 km
With the inauguration, two remaining stretches will open:
Meerut South → Modipuram (23 km)
New Ashok Nagar → Sarai Kale Khan (5 km)
The rapid rail, developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, will now run across the full route from Modipuram to Sarai Kale Khan.
First Metro Service for Meerut
The inauguration also marks the debut of metro rail service in Meerut, with a 23-km urban corridor featuring 13 stations, including:
Meerut South
Partapur
Rithani
Shatabdi Nagar
Brahmpuri
Meerut Central
Bhainsali
Begumpul
MES Colony
Daurli
Meerut North
Modipuram
Modipuram Depot
Four stations — Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram — will function as interchange hubs where both metro and rapid rail services operate from island platforms.
Officials say the metro can reach speeds up to 120 km/h, making it one of the fastest urban transit systems in the country.
Travel Time & Fare
Passengers traveling the full 82-km corridor between Delhi and Meerut are expected to pay approximately ₹213. The fare for the local Meerut Metro section has not yet been announced.
Inauguration Schedule
According to district officials:
11:00 AM — PM arrival at Hindon Airport, Ghaziabad
11:30 AM — Arrival at Shatabdi Nagar helipad
12:30 PM — Flag-off of Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro
1:00 PM — Address at public rally in Mohiuddinpur
2:10 PM — Departure
The Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate additional development projects during the visit.
Security & Traffic Arrangements
Authorities have implemented tight security measures with multiple agencies deployed and CCTV surveillance monitoring key locations. Traffic diversions are in place on Delhi Road, and special parking zones have been created near the rally site. Certain petrol pumps near the venue will remain temporarily closed as a precaution.
Public Service Start Date
Although the corridor is being inaugurated today, passenger operations for the newly opened sections are expected to begin Feb. 23, pending final confirmation from officials.
Due to VIP movement, services between Meerut South and Modinagar will remain suspended from 11 AM to 1 PM today, and parking at Meerut South station has already been closed for two days.
Why This Project Matters
Transport analysts consider the corridor a major infrastructure milestone that will:
Reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut
Boost regional economic activity
Improve daily commuting for thousands
Strengthen NCR connectivity
The project is widely seen as a model for future regional rapid transit systems across India.
