Grand glimpse of connectivity: Modi flags off Namo Bharat rapid rail, Meerut metro services

Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the Namo Bharat rapid rail and Meerut Metro services, calling the project a "grand glimpse of connectivity in Viksit Bharat" and asserting that development remains the core principle of governance in the BJP regime.Addressing a public gathering, Modi said he shared a "special attachment" with Meerut, recalling that he launched his Lok Sabha election campaigns of 2014, 2019 and 2024 from the city. "Meerut ke logon ne mujhe hamesha bahut aashirwad diya hai," he said.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP, the PM accused them of pursuing "poisonous politics" instead of focusing on development. He said he challenged the opposition to compete on the plank of growth and public welfare, but "they failed" to "change their mindset"."The BJP kept development at the top of its ‘reeti-neeti' (customs and policies)," he said, describing the Meerut Metro as a reflection of that approach.Modi claimed that metro expansion before 2014 moved at a "snail's pace," underscoring that only 5 cities received metro connectivity during the Congress regime, whereas more than 25 cities now have metro services under BJP rule. He asserted that India hosted the third-largest metro network in the world."This is because our govt wants to provide facilities to people and reduce pollution and traffic congestion," he said, adding that previous govts were marred by scams and corruption, which delayed infrastructure projects. He said India earlier depended on imported metro technology but is now moving towards self-reliance.Highlighting integrated transport development, Modi said railway stations, bus terminals and metro networks were connected at Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut. He termed it historic that Namo Bharat rapid rail and metro rail services would operate together, benefiting daily commuters between Meerut and Delhi by saving time and money while generating employment.The PM also underlined the rapid development of expressways, dedicated freight corridors and the upcoming international airport at Jewar in western Uttar Pradesh. "UP ki dharti shram aur srajan ki hai," he said, describing the state as a land of hard work and innovation, where small industrialists, weavers and craftsmen are advancing the twin mantra of ‘Virasat' (heritage) and ‘Vikas' (development).Modi said India's growing stature led developed countries to seek trade agreements with the nation. He contrasted this with what he described as "hesitation" during previous Congress-led govts in the wake of allegations of corruption.He said recent trade agreements would particularly benefit small and cottage industries, including sports goods manufacturers in Meerut, the crockery industry of Khurja, brass units in Moradabad, home furnishing businesses in Baghpat and wood carving artisans in Saharanpur.The PM said that Rs 10,000 crore was earmarked for the MSME sector to ease access to credit. He also referred to initiatives aimed at supporting weavers and textile workers and said nearly Rs 95,000 crore was disbursed to farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, with farmers in Meerut alone receiving around Rs 800 crore.Stressing that his govt conferred the Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister and farmer leader Chaudhary Charan Singh, Modi said the "double-engine govt" is committed to raising farmers' incomes in line with his vision.Calling the Namo Bharat project a symbol of "Viksit Bharat," Modi said it reflected the BJP's work culture of completing projects once foundation stones are laid. "Ab pariyojanayein pehli ki tarah latakti-bhatakti nahi hain," he said.The Prime Minister also travelled on the Meerut Metro, interacting with students and citizens. He said the improved law and order situation ensured a secure travel environment. He added that the Namo Bharat rail symbolises women's empowerment, noting that women are managing train operations, station control and other key functions of the project. "Today, every Indian is working hard towards the goal of Viksit Bharat," Modi said.