PM Modi to Launch Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat RRTS with Rs 12,930 Crore Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Meerut on Sunday for a significant infrastructure event, where he will flag off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train from the Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat station. This visit marks a major milestone in urban and regional transit development in India.
Inauguration of Key Transit Systems
During his visit, PM Modi will undertake a metro ride from Shatabdi Nagar to Meerut South station, symbolizing the operational launch of these new services. He will inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth approximately Rs 12,930 crore to the nation, highlighting the government's focus on enhancing transportation infrastructure.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public gathering, where he is expected to emphasize the transformative impact of these projects on connectivity and economic growth.
Namo Bharat: India's First Regional Rapid Transit System
The inauguration includes the remaining sections of India's inaugural Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), known as Namo Bharat. This system features:
- A 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi.
- A 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.
Designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160 kmph, Namo Bharat aims to revolutionize high-speed intercity travel. It connects key urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut with Delhi, promising reduced travel times and improved accessibility.
Multi-Modal Connectivity at Sarai Kale Khan
Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is one of four Namo Bharat stations being commissioned. It has been developed as a major multi-modal hub, integrating seamlessly with:
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.
- The Pink Line of Delhi Metro.
- Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT.
- The Ring Road.
The other three stations—Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram—are located in Meerut. This project is anticipated to decongest roads and significantly lower vehicular carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Meerut Metro: India's Fastest Metro System
Separately, PM Modi will inaugurate the Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram. In a pioneering initiative, the Meerut Metro will operate on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat corridor, showcasing innovative transit planning.
With a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph, the Meerut Metro will be India's fastest metro system. It is expected to cover the entire stretch in approximately 30 minutes, including all scheduled stoppages, offering efficient intra-city travel.
A Benchmark for Transit Planning
The integration of intercity Namo Bharat services with intra-city Meerut Metro operations on a shared corridor is being projected as a benchmark model for urban and regional transit planning in India. This approach aims to optimize infrastructure use and enhance connectivity across different scales of travel.
This development underscores the government's commitment to advancing public transportation and fostering regional growth through strategic infrastructure investments.
