PM To Inaugurate Final Stretch Of Delhi-Meerut Corridor

20 Feb 2026 CW Team

The Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail Corridor, marketed as Namo Bharat, is the country's first rapid rail project and is now in its final stages. The foundation stone for the corridor was laid by the Prime Minister in Ghaziabad in March 2019, and subsequent construction progressed over the following years. The development is intended to provide high-speed suburban connectivity between the national capital region and Meerut, and officials describe it as a flagship urban transport undertaking.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the third and final phase on 22 February 2026, completing the corridor that has been opened in stages. The first phase of the project, covering a 17-kilometre stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot, was inaugurated on 20 October 2023. Work on the remaining sections has focused on civil structures, signalling and track integration to ensure compatibility with the rapid rail rolling stock and operational safety standards.

Proponents expect the completed corridor to reduce commuting time, enhance regional connectivity and support economic activity along the alignment. Authorities have highlighted anticipated improvements in reliability and capacity compared with existing suburban services and have emphasised benefits for daily commuters, business travel and logistics. Urban planners say the rail link will form part of a wider network of rapid transit initiatives intended to shift travel demand towards public transport and to decongest arterial roads.

Final safety certification, staff training and trial runs are being completed ahead of the formal opening, according to project sources. Operational timetables and fare structures are to be published prior to passenger services commencing. The inauguration of the final phase will mark the transition of the corridor from a phased project to a fully operational rapid rail service, and officials anticipate that it will become a key component of the region's transport infrastructure.

Infrastructure Urban

20 Mar 2026

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