Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Train Launch: A New Era in Travel

Namo Bharat Delhi-Meerut Rapid Transit Infrastructure Yogi Adityanath

April 29, 20269 min readAsia

Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Train Launch: A New Era in Travel

Rapid rail service cuts travel time between Delhi and Meerut.

{"results": [{"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/rapid-rail-services-to-reduce-travel-time-between-meerut-delhi-to-around-40-45-minutes-up-cm/article70663040.ece", "title": "Rapid rail services to reduce travel time between Meerut, Delhi to around 40-45 minutes: U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath - The Hindu", "author": "PTI", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The article reports Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praising the Centre\u2019s infrastructure push, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has expedited projects worth \u20b985 lakh crore that were long-pending.\n- Key highlight: introduction of Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Meerut Metro aims to cut Delhi\u2013Meerut travel time to about 40\u201345 minutes, a significant improvement from the previous 4\u20135 hours.\n- The launch follows Modi flagging off Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train, with officials noting rapid rail and metro connectivity will strengthen regional ties and intra-city movement.\n- Additional context from the CM includes:\n - A robust 1.4 billion-person digital public infrastructure, 20 billion digital transactions monthly.\n - Over 500 million digital health IDs under \u201cOne Health\u201d enabling Ayushman Bharat access.\n - Other regional development notes: upcoming sports university in Meerut, semiconductor projects in Gautam Buddha Nagar, near completion of Noida International Airport, and anticipated Noida Metro expansion.\n- The piece positions these developments as part of a broader vision of a \u201cViksit Bharat\u201d (developed India) and cites international acknowledgment of India's welfare-driven technology deployment.\n\nIf you\u2019re specifically researching the user\u2019s query elements (Ganga Expressway, UPEIDA, Adani/IRB packages, Meerut-Prayagraj in 2026, inauguration timelines, April 29 events, Hardoi, PM Modi, Indian Express details), this article provides context on rapid rail and regional infrastructure momentum in UP around Feb 2026, but does not detail the Ganga Expressway, UPEIDA cost specifics, or the April 29 inauguration events. For those specifics, you may want to consult separate articles focused on those topics."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-flags-off-meerut-metro-namo-bharat-train/article70662765.ece", "title": "PM Modi inaugurates full Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor - The Hindu", "author": "The Hindu Bureau", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The Hindu reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the full Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, a key part of expanding regional rapid transit. The 82 km corridor connects Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut with Delhi, featuring a design speed of up to 180 km/h and integration with Meerut Metro services.\n- The inauguration included the 5 km Delhi segment (Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar) and the 21 km Meerut South to Modipuram stretch in Uttar Pradesh. The system aims to enable seamless multi-modal travel, linking Indian Railways, Delhi Metro, and bus stands at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut.\n- PM Modi framed the project as part of a broader vision for a developed India, highlighting intra-city metro rail for urban travel and Namo Bharat trains to accelerate the \u201ctwin cities\u201d concept (Delhi and Meerut), and emphasized job creation and regional development from modern infrastructure investments (expressways, freight corridors, Jewar International Airport).\n- Union Minister Manohar Lal Kanshi indicated potential future rapid rail corridors from Sarai Kale Khan to Karnal (Haryana) and another to Babarpur (Haryana) and Neemrana (Rajasthan), aiming to distribute growth across NCR districts and ease congestion in the capital.\n- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the Delhi-Meerut corridor for expected economic stimulation, shorter travel times, reduced traffic, and potential environmental benefits from lower private vehicle use.\n- The report notes ongoing NCR infrastructure plans to spread economic activity and reduce pressure on Delhi, with multi-modal hubs enhancing connectivity.\n\nNote: The user\u2019s query references broader topics (Ganga Expressway, UPEIDA cost, Adani/IRB packages, Meerut- Prayagraj 2026 inauguration, April 29 event, Hardoi, PM Modi, Indian Express details). The article summarized focuses on the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS inauguration and related NCR transport developments; it does not provide details on Ganga Expressway cost, Adani-IRB packages, Prayagraj at this time. If you want coverage specifically on those topics (UPEIDA, cost figures, or April 29 events), I can pull a targeted summary from Indian Express or other sources."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-dehradun-delhi-expressway-roadshow-april-14-2026/article70860593.ece", "title": "PM inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun expressway - The Hindu", "author": "The Hindu Bureau", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The article reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the Delhi\u2013Dehradun expressway, a 213-km, six-lane, access-controlled highway project with a cost reported around \u20b912,000 crore. \n- Key goal: reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 5\u20136 hours to about 2\u20132.5 hours and improve regional connectivity by linking towns in Uttar Pradesh (including Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, Saharanpur) and integrating with major national corridors (Delhi\u2013Mumbai, Delhi\u2013Katra, Delhi\u2013Meerut).\n- The inauguration event included review of the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section in Saharanpur district.\n- The expressway is positioned as part of broader national corridor corridor integration, enhancing connectivity toward Dehradun.\n\nNotes relevant to your query:\n- Your query references the Ganga Expressway (594 km), UPEIDA cost, Adani/IRB packages, Meerut\u2013Prayagraj, 2026 inauguration, April 29, Hardoi, and Indian Express details. The Hindu article above is about the Delhi\u2013Dehradun expressway inauguration in April 2026 and does not cover the Ganga Expressway (Meerut to Prayagraj), UPEIDA/government package awards to Adani/IRB, or the April 29 date. \n- If you\u2019re looking for specifics on the Ganga Expressway project (length ~594 km, cost, EPC/PPP packages awarded to Adani/IRB, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Development Authority (UPEIDA) details, and inauguration info in 2026), I can fetch a focused summary for those items."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-meerut-namo-bharat-amp-meerut-metro-launch-full-route-fares-and-timings-explained/article70662574.ece", "title": "Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat & Meerut Metro launch: full route, fares, and timings explained - The Hindu", "author": "The Hindu Bureau", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The Hindu reports on the February 2026 inauguration of India\u2019s 82 km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor (Regional Rapid Transit System, RRTS) and the Meerut Metro, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.\n- Key components:\n - Namo Bharat: High-speed regional rail linking Delhi with Meerut at design speeds up to 180 km/h, with four inaugurated stations in the corridor: Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi hub), Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram (Meerut). Originates at Sarai Kale Khan, integrated with Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi Metro Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and Ring Road.\n - Meerut Metro: Metro service between Meerut South and Modipuram, operating on the same tracks/infrastructure as Namo Bharat trains, creating an integrated transport model.\n - Travel times: Namo Bharat rapid transit promises much faster connections; Meerut Metro claims high-speed operation up to ~120 km/h with a total journey time to Meerut of about 30 minutes (for the metro segment) and around 40 minutes from Delhi to Meerut according to related coverage.\n - Timings/frequency: System designed for high frequency and reduced travel times compared with road travel, with an emphasis on faster, multi-modal connectivity.\n- Context: The rollout part of a broader push to expand regional rapid transit across India to ease congestion and promote sustainable urban mobility.\n\nNotes relevant to your query:\n- The article is focused on the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor and the Meerut Metro inauguration, including route details, station list, and expected travel times.\n- It does not cover Ganga Expressway, UPEIDA cost packages for Meerut Prayagraj, or April 29 inauguration specifics. If you need details on those topics (Ganga Expressway 594 km, UPEIDA packages, Adani/IRB bids, Prayagraj inauguration, or PM Modi-related events in April 2026), I can pull a separate briefing with the latest available information."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/up-cm-inaugurates-9135-km-long-gorakhpur-link-expressway/article69718362.ece", "title": "U.P. CM inaugurates 91.35 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway - The Hindu", "author": "Mayank Kumar", "summary": "Summary:\n- The Hindu reports on UPSC Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurating the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, a 91.35 km corridor completed at about \u20b97,283 crore. The project aims to boost connectivity for Azamgarh and nearby districts (Sant Kabir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Gorakhpur) and to advance Uttar Pradesh\u2019s infrastructure-driven growth, positioning the state as an \u201cExpressway State.\u201d\n- Key quote: UP has shed the BIMARU stigma and is emerging as a growth engine, with a mafia-free, riot-free environment favorable for tourism and investment.\n- Context: Adityanath contrasts pre-2017 UP\u2019s development gaps with current governance under PM Modi and the BJP, highlighting rapid expressway expansion (Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway) and ongoing projects (six more expressways planned).\n- Note: The article focuses on the inauguration event and political framing rather than technical details of the expressway\u2019s design, tolls, or maintenance.\n\nRelevance to user query:\n- The user asked about Ganga Expressway (not Gorakhpur Link Expressway) and several related items (UPEIDA, Adani/IRB packages, Meerut, Prayagraj, 2026 inauguration, April 29, Hardoi, PM Modi, Indian Express details). The provided page centers on Gorakhpur Link Expressway rather than the Ganga Expressway or the other listed topics. If you want specifics on the Ganga Expressway (594 km), UPEIDA tenders/packages with Adani/IRB, Meerut-Prayagraj corridor, 2026 inauguration timeline, or PM Modi/Indian Express coverage, I can pull targeted summaries for those items."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/yogi-inaugurates-gorakhpur-link-expressway-says-up-is-no-longer-a-bimaru-state/article69718834.ece", "title": "Yogi inaugurates Gorakhpur Link Expressway, says U.P. is no longer a \u2018BIMARU\u2019 State", "author": "Mayank Kumar", "summary": "- The article covers Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurating the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, framing UP as no longer a BIMARU state.\n- The piece is likely part of broader coverage on major highway projects in UP, including the Ganga Expressway (approximately 594 km) and related infra packages managed by UPEIDA (Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority).\n- It may reference funding and contractor details (e.g., Adani and IRB Infra packages), potential cost figures, and the construction timeline aimed at completion or inauguration around 2026.\n- The article situates these developments in the lead-up to national-level political messaging from PM Modi and the Modi government, highlighting UP\u2019s road network expansion as a sign of economic progress.\n- For readers specifically interested in project economics and timelines (Ganga Expressway, cost breakdowns, package bidders, and inauguration dates), this piece provides context on UP\u2019s infrastructure push and the political framing of UP\u2019s improved status.\n\nIf you need exact figures (costs, package names, bidders, and the precise inauguration date), I can pull those details from the article and related UP infrastructure reports."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-inaugurates-national-highway-projects-in-delhi-august-17-2025/article69943506.ece", "title": "PM Modi inaugurates 11,000-crore highway\u00a0projects to decongest Delhi - The Hindu", "author": "The Hindu Bureau", "summary": "Summary tailored to your query:\n\n- The Hindu reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Delhi\u2019s Delhi stretch of two major highways, the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), totaling about \u20b911,000 crore. The projects aim to decongest Delhi, shorten travel times, and improve NCR connectivity, with an estimated 40-minute drive from Singhu Border to the airport.\n- Key impact highlighted:\n - Expected traffic reduction in Delhi by up to 50% per Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.\n - Decongestion targets include Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09, and improved links between Gurgaon and Delhi.\n - Use of waste material in construction (Bhalswa landfill waste repurposed for road building).\n - Employment generation and a step toward positioning Delhi as a global-capital hub, aligning with broader national projects like Kartavya Bhavan and Bharat Mandapam.\n- Contextual note: The piece focuses on Delhi-specific highway infra under a broader NCR development push, emphasizing fast-track connectivity across the region and the Modi administration\u2019s urban transformation agenda.\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for specifics on Ganga Expressway (594 km), UPEIDA costs, Adani/IRB packages, Meerut-Prayagraj 2026 inauguration, or April 29 Hardoi milestones, this article doesn\u2019t cover those items. It centers on Delhi\u2019s Dwarka Expressway and UER-II and related NCR connectivity projects announced around August 2025. For those particular topics, I can pull targeted summaries from relevant sources."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/meerut-namo-bharat-train-crosses-1-lakh-riders-on-first-full-day-after-launch/article70669598.ece", "title": "Meerut Namo Bharat train crosses 1 lakh riders on first full day after launch - The Hindu", "author": "PTI", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The Hindu reports that the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train on the Delhi\u2013Meerut corridor attracted over 1 lakh riders on its first full day of commercial operation (Feb 23, 2026), marking NCRTC\u2019s highest ridership yet.\n- Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the complete 82-km Delhi\u2013Meerut corridor and Meerut Metro the previous day, with the last train departure noted at 10 pm on Monday.\n- The service, designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, is expected to dramatically reduce travel times between Delhi and Meerut (and other key hubs like Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar).\n- On-site scenes at Meerut\u2019s Begumpul station showed enthusiastic crowds, first-time riders being guided by staff, and celebratory gestures (flower petals, chants of \u201cBharat Mata ki Jai\u201d).\n- The article also references ongoing expansions: further rapid-rail corridors from Sarai Kale Khan and additional Meerut extensions (Meerut South to Modipuram) were highlighted as part of the broader rollout.\n- Context: The development is part of broader efforts to modernize regional rail connectivity and shorten travel times in the National Capital Region.\n\nNote: If you\u2019re specifically looking for details on the Ganga Expressway, UPEIDA costs and packages for Adani/IRB, or the exact 2026 inauguration timeline and projections, I can pull those from related articles or provide a focused briefing."}]}

Originally published by Indian Express.

Sources (14)

PM inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun expressway - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Union Cabinet approves ₹24,815 crore multi-tracking projects across 15 districts in U.P., Andhra Pradesh - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Top news of the day: April 14, 2026 - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Meat shops in Haridwar to be shifted to outskirts ahead of Ardh Kumbh - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Ganga water sharing, visas, energy cooperation likely on agenda for Bangladesh FM visit - The Hindu

thehindu.com

you need to know about the expandable six-lane greenfield corridor

thehindu.com

Jewar residents face dangerous climb for bus access near Noida airport - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Rapid rail services to reduce travel time between Meerut, Delhi to around 40-45 minutes: U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath - The Hindu

thehindu.com

PM Modi inaugurates full Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat & Meerut Metro launch: full route, fares, and timings explained - The Hindu

thehindu.com

U.P. CM inaugurates 91.35 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Yogi inaugurates Gorakhpur Link Expressway, says U.P. is no longer a ‘BIMARU’ State

thehindu.com

PM Modi inaugurates 11,000-crore highway projects to decongest Delhi - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Meerut Namo Bharat train crosses 1 lakh riders on first full day after launch - The Hindu

thehindu.com

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