PM Modi Flags Off Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat Train, Criticises Congress Over AI Summit Protest

Yugcharan News / 22 February 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Meerut Metro and flagged off the high-speed Namo Bharat train service in Meerut on Sunday, marking a major milestone in the expansion of modern transportation infrastructure in northern India. The new projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity between Delhi and Meerut while also strengthening the urban transport system within the city. During the event, the Prime Minister also took a metro ride from Shatabdi Nagar station to Meerut South station, symbolically showcasing the operational readiness of the new infrastructure.

The launch of the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train is part of the ambitious Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. This corridor has been designed to reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut while providing commuters with a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Officials said the project represents a major step toward transforming regional mobility and reducing congestion on roads that connect the two cities.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi was joined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary, and several other senior leaders. The event drew a large public gathering, with many residents and supporters attending the inauguration to witness the launch of what has been described as one of the most important transport projects in the region.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore during the event. These projects cover various sectors including transportation, urban infrastructure, and public services, reflecting the government’s broader push toward development and modernization in Uttar Pradesh.

The Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor is one of the first regional rapid transit systems in India designed to provide high-speed rail connectivity between major urban centers and surrounding regions. Once fully operational, the system is expected to dramatically cut travel time between Delhi and Meerut, enabling commuters to travel between the two cities in less than an hour. This development is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters, including professionals, students, and business travelers who frequently move between the national capital and nearby cities.

The Meerut Metro, which operates alongside the Namo Bharat train within the corridor, will improve internal city mobility and provide residents with a modern urban transport option. Experts believe the integration of regional rapid transit with metro services represents a forward-looking approach to urban planning, allowing seamless movement across both long-distance and intra-city routes.

Speaking at the public gathering after the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in accelerating economic development. He stated that projects like the Namo Bharat corridor demonstrate India’s commitment to building world-class transport networks that support growth, employment, and regional development.

The Prime Minister highlighted how improved transportation can transform economic opportunities for surrounding regions. Faster connectivity between major cities often encourages investment, promotes tourism, and allows businesses to expand their operations beyond metropolitan centers. Officials believe the improved connectivity between Delhi and Meerut will contribute to economic growth across western Uttar Pradesh.

However, the Prime Minister’s speech also included sharp criticism of the opposition party Congress over a protest that took place during an international artificial intelligence summit in Delhi. Referring to the demonstration, the Prime Minister accused the opposition of politicizing an important global event that was meant to showcase India’s technological ambitions.

According to the Prime Minister, the protest, which involved opposition leaders removing their shirts as a form of demonstration, was inappropriate for an international platform. He described the act as an example of what he called “dirty and shameless politics,” arguing that such actions could undermine India’s image at global forums.

The AI summit in Delhi had brought together technology leaders, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts from several countries to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its role in shaping economic and technological development. The event was intended to highlight India’s growing role in the global technology ecosystem.

During his speech in Meerut, the Prime Minister suggested that turning such an international gathering into a platform for domestic political protests reflected what he described as ideological weakness within the opposition. He further argued that political disagreements should not overshadow events that aim to strengthen India’s global standing in emerging technologies.

Political observers noted that the Prime Minister’s remarks were likely to intensify the ongoing political debate between the ruling government and opposition parties ahead of upcoming elections in several states. Political analysts often view large public events like infrastructure inaugurations as opportunities for leaders to highlight development achievements while also addressing broader political narratives.

Meanwhile, supporters of the government have highlighted the launch of the Namo Bharat corridor as evidence of the country’s commitment to modernizing its transportation systems. Infrastructure development has been a central component of the government’s development agenda over the past several years, with significant investments in highways, railways, airports, and urban transit networks.

Transportation experts say that projects like the Delhi–Meerut RRTS are crucial for addressing the growing challenges of urbanization. As cities expand and populations increase, traditional transportation networks often struggle to keep pace with rising demand. High-speed regional transit systems can help reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and improve overall mobility for commuters.

In addition to transportation benefits, the project is also expected to generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. Infrastructure projects typically require large numbers of engineers, technicians, and skilled workers, which can contribute to economic activity in the region.

Local residents in Meerut expressed optimism about the new metro and rapid transit services, noting that improved connectivity could significantly reduce travel time to Delhi for work and education. Many commuters who previously relied on road transport hope the new system will provide a faster and more reliable alternative.

Urban planners have also pointed out that efficient transportation systems often encourage balanced regional development. When smaller cities are well connected to major economic centers, businesses may choose to establish offices or manufacturing facilities in those regions, helping reduce pressure on metropolitan cities.

As India continues to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects, initiatives like the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat corridor are expected to play an important role in shaping the country’s future transportation landscape. With growing demand for faster, cleaner, and more efficient travel options, regional rapid transit systems could become a model for other urban corridors across the country.

The inauguration of the project therefore represents not only a milestone for Meerut and the Delhi region but also an example of the broader transformation underway in India’s infrastructure sector. As the services gradually expand and become fully operational, millions of passengers are expected to benefit from improved connectivity, shorter travel times, and modern transport facilities.

For residents of Meerut and neighboring areas, the launch of the new metro and rapid train service marks the beginning of a new era in regional transportation, bringing the promise of faster journeys, better connectivity, and expanded opportunities for economic growth.