Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate full-scale operations of the 82-kilometre Namo Bharat corridor on February 22, 2026. The service will run from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, marking a significant milestone in India’s regional rapid transit infrastructure.

Currently operational between Meerut South and New Ashok Nagar, the corridor will now cover the entire stretch, substantially reducing travel time between Delhi and Meerut. A special media trial conducted by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) completed the 82-kilometre journey in 39 minutes without halts. Under regular operations, the train will stop at all 12 stations, with an estimated end-to-end travel time of around 52 minutes.

The Namo Bharat trains are designed for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, with an average operational speed of approximately 90 kmph. Of the total corridor length, 14 kilometres lie in Delhi and 68 kilometres in Uttar Pradesh. Officials anticipate increased ridership once full operations commence and have indicated that train frequency will be adjusted based on passenger demand.

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Sarai Kale Khan station is set to emerge as a major multi-modal transport hub, offering connectivity to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro, and the ISBT bus terminal. To handle expected passenger traffic, the station has been equipped with 12 escalators, four lifts, and five entry and exit gates to facilitate smooth movement.

The foundation stone for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor was laid by the Prime Minister on March 8, 2019. Since then, the project has progressed in phases, with initial operations beginning between Sahibabad and Duhai in October 2023, followed by subsequent extensions. The full commissioning of the corridor represents a major advancement in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.

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