Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Key Rapid Rail Section in Meerut on February 22
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the crucial Meerut South-Modipuram section of the Delhi-Meerut rapid rail corridor on February 22, as announced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The announcement came following a comprehensive review of preparations at the Hindon civil terminal on Thursday, where Adityanath emphasized the importance of timely execution and seamless coordination for the landmark event.
Completing the Meerut Arm of the Namo Bharat Corridor
The inauguration of this 23-kilometer stretch marks the completion of the Meerut arm of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat rapid rail corridor. Currently, trains operate on 55 kilometers of the total 82-kilometer corridor, running between New Ashok Nagar in east Delhi and Meerut South. With this new section, services will extend from New Ashok Nagar to Modipuram, though the Sarai Kale Khan station in Delhi remains pending for future opening.
Once the entire route becomes fully operational, trains are projected to cover the distance from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut in approximately 55 minutes, revolutionizing regional connectivity and commuting patterns.
Route Details and Commuter Impact
The Meerut South–Modipuram section traverses densely populated areas of Meerut, including Begumpul, MES, and Partapur. Trial runs for this segment commenced in February of last year and were successfully completed by June. However, delays in opening the section had drawn criticism from commuters, particularly residents of central Meerut who faced challenges accessing the rapid rail corridor.
"Every morning I take a shared auto to Meerut South, which takes 35 to 40 minutes," shared Asim, a resident near the Begumpul station. "Once the services start, I can simply walk to the station and save almost an hour to travel to Delhi."
Many commuters had been relying on costly last-mile transportation options to reach Meerut South station, highlighting the urgent need for this extension to improve accessibility and reduce travel burdens.
Phased Development of the Rapid Rail Corridor
The Delhi-Meerut rapid rail corridor has been developed and opened in systematic phases:
- The first section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated in October 2023
- The Duhai–Modinagar North stretch opened in March 2024
- Modinagar North–Meerut South section commenced operations in August 2024
- The Sahibabad–New Ashok Nagar section was launched in January of this year
This phased approach has allowed for gradual integration of the rapid rail system while testing infrastructure and operational capabilities at each stage.
CM Adityanath's Review and Directives
During the review meeting with divisional-level officials, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued clear directives to ensure all preparations for the inauguration are completed within the stipulated timeframe. "The opening of this section will not only strengthen the regional transportation system but will also play a significant role in the overall development of Meerut and the surrounding districts," the Chief Minister stated.
Adityanath emphasized several critical aspects for the event:
- Tight security arrangements to ensure safety
- Streamlined traffic management to minimize disruptions
- Comprehensive sanitation measures
- Adequate public facilities at the venue
- Seamless coordination among administrative, police, and civic agencies
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of avoiding any last-minute lapses through proactive planning and inter-departmental cooperation.
Broader Governance Review in Noida
Earlier in the day, Adityanath conducted a high-level meeting in Sector 38, Noida, to review the law and order situation and assess progress on key development projects. The meeting included senior district and police officials who presented updates on policing arrangements, crime control measures, and inter-departmental coordination.
The Chief Minister directed officials to maintain strict vigilance to ensure public safety in Noida, which is experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization. He emphasized the need for a robust law and order framework to support sustainable growth and maintain investor confidence in the region.
Adityanath also focused on time-bound execution of development works, instructing authorities to closely monitor projects, swiftly remove bottlenecks, and ensure transparency in implementation. He called for prompt redressal of public grievances and greater administrative accountability to enhance governance effectiveness.
The rapid rail corridor inauguration represents a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure development, promising to transform regional connectivity while supporting economic growth and improving quality of life for residents across the National Capital Region.
