The wait for a seamless high-speed connection between Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh is ending this weekend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the complete 82-km Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This launch marks the full operational start of both the Namo Bharat regional trains and the local Meerut Metro services. A recent trial run has already demonstrated the system’s capability to cover the distance from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut in under an hour.
How fast will the trains travel?
The project introduces a unique system where local and regional trains share the same infrastructure. The Meerut Metro is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 120 kmph. This matches the operational speed of the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line, making it the fastest local metro system in the country. The regional Namo Bharat trains will run even faster at 160 kmph.
During a trial conducted on Friday, a non-stop Namo Bharat train completed the journey from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Begumpul in Meerut in just 40 minutes. For regular passenger service with stoppages, the entire 82-km trip is expected to take 58 minutes. This will drastically reduce the travel time compared to road transport, which often takes several hours due to traffic congestion.
Ticket prices and passenger facilities
The fare structure is distance-based to suit different types of commuters. Standard Class tickets are priced between ₹20 and ₹150, while Premium Class fares range from ₹30 to ₹225. Officials have confirmed that a single ticket can be used for both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro services. Payment options include QR-code tickets, the NCRTC mobile app, and the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC).
The first coach of every Namo Bharat train is reserved as a Premium coach, offering reclining seats and more legroom. Passengers choosing this class must validate their tickets twice—once at the entry gate and again at the platform level. The Sarai Kale Khan terminal serves as the main hub in Delhi, connecting passengers directly to the Nizamuddin Railway Station and the ISBT via a foot overbridge equipped with travelators.
