Prime Minister Inaugurates India's First Namo Bharat RRTS

24 Feb 2026 CW Team

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, the Meerut Metro route and a new section of the Regional Rapid Transit System in Meerut, describing the developments as a new surge of energy for a developed Uttar Pradesh and a developed India. He noted that this marks the first time in the country that a rapid rail and a metro service have been launched from a single platform on the same day, enabling integrated travel options.

He outlined that the integrated system will use the metro for intra-city travel and the Namo Bharat trains for regional commutes, supporting the twin cities vision and reducing the need for many workers and students to live in rented accommodation in the capital. He highlighted integration at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut as a unique feature that links Indian Railways, metro and bus services. He said the system will simplify journeys across the National Capital Region.

He praised the predominance of women among train operators and station control staff and characterised the workforce composition as a symbol of women empowerment. He attributed rapid project delivery to a work culture that prioritises completion after foundation stones are laid and contrasted this with earlier delays. He also linked modern infrastructure investments, including expressways, freight corridors and a new international airport, to expanding employment opportunities and industry investment.

He referred to measures for small enterprises and farmers, noting a Rs 100 billion special fund in the union budget to ease loans for micro, small and medium enterprises and a national scheme to help weavers access global markets. He said the removal of a one million courier limit will allow small entrepreneurs to sell directly to customers abroad and that nearly Rs 950 billion has been provided to farmers in Uttar Pradesh under the flagship support scheme.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

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