Meerut, India — Feb. 22, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Meerut Metro and dedicated the 82-kilometer Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System corridor to the nation, marking a major infrastructure milestone for western Uttar Pradesh. The event, attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, combined a formal launch ceremony with a public rally highlighting development initiatives.
Major Connectivity Boost for Western UP
The newly launched rapid rail corridor connects Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram in Meerut, significantly reducing travel time between the national capital and the region. Officials say the project is designed to improve daily commuting, regional mobility, and economic activity.
Modi emphasized that both the metro system and rapid rail trains will operate from a single station and track section in Meerut — a feature he described as a technological and logistical advancement intended to streamline urban transit.
Political Remarks During Rally
Addressing a gathering in Mohiuddinpur, the prime minister criticized opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, accusing them of practicing “negative politics” and urging them to compete on development instead. He said his government has prioritized infrastructure expansion since 2014, noting that India now has metro services in more than 25 cities compared with only a handful previously.
Modi also alleged that past infrastructure projects were delayed due to corruption and reliance on imported technologies, adding that current initiatives focus on domestic capability and faster execution.
Infrastructure as a Policy Focus
Highlighting national transit growth, the prime minister stated that metro rail expansion reflects the government’s development-first approach. He argued that large-scale transportation projects can transform regional economies, especially in fast-growing urban clusters.
The corridor is part of India’s broader plan to modernize public transportation and reduce congestion in high-density regions surrounding Delhi.
Appeal to Media Coverage Tone
During his speech, Modi urged media organizations to avoid sensational headlines when reporting political criticism. He said public discourse should focus on facts and policy outcomes rather than dramatic phrasing.
