Today, Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are witnessing a new era of world-class infrastructure: Modi

MEERUT: Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and dedicated the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation, marking the launch of integrated rapid rail and metro services from a single platform for the first time in the country.

The Prime Minister described the project as a new surge of energy for a Viksit Uttar Pradesh and a Viksit Bharat, stating that it offers a glimpse of connectivity in a developed India. He said the inauguration of the Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train and the new section of the Regional Rapid Transit System will make life in the National Capital Region simpler, smoother and more convenient.

Narendra Modi said it is happening for the first time in the country that Namo Bharat and Metro rail will operate on the same station and the same track. From the same platform, commuters will be able to travel within the city and also directly to and from Delhi, he added.

Highlighting the government’s work culture, Narendra Modi said that once the foundation stone of a project is laid, day and night are merged to complete it, ensuring that projects do not remain pending. He noted that he had laid the foundation stone for both Namo Bharat and the metro service and had now inaugurated them as well.

During the visit, Narendra Modi travelled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers. He described the project as a symbol of Nari-Shakti, noting that most train operators and station control staff are women. He congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh on the launch of the country’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service.

Recalling his association with Meerut, Narendra Modi said his national election campaigns in 2014, 2019 and 2024 began from the city. He said metro services, which operated in only five cities before 2014, are now running in more than 25 cities, making India the third-largest metro network in the world.

He highlighted the integration of Indian Railways, metro and bus stands at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut, enabling seamless connectivity. He said the new system will reduce the need for workers and students to live in rented accommodation in Delhi.

Referring to infrastructure expansion, Narendra Modi said investments in expressways, freight corridors and the Jewar International Airport are generating employment and attracting industries to the region. He said developed countries are signing trade agreements with India as they see their future in India’s development and youth power. The world, he added, views India as a force capable of providing solutions to 21st century challenges.

On MSMEs, Narendra Modi said a ₹10,000 crore special fund announced in the Union Budget will ease access to loans. He also referred to measures supporting weavers and small entrepreneurs, including removal of the ₹10 lakh courier limit to enable direct exports to customers in the US and Europe through online platforms.

Referring to Chaudhary Charan Singh, Narendra Modi said the government conferred the Bharat Ratna on him to honour his vision. He said efforts are underway to increase farmers’ income through food processing and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which nearly ₹95,000 crore has been disbursed to farmers in Uttar Pradesh.

He said Uttar Pradesh has moved from an era of riots and crime to one recognised for BrahMos, mobile manufacturing and tourism, adding that improved law and order has led to economic growth and a manufacturing push. He noted that the foundation for the state’s first semiconductor factory has recently been laid.

Narendra Modi said a developed Uttar Pradesh is essential for a developed India.