Meerut Namo Bharat train crosses 1 lakh riders on first full day after launch
The Hindu
Namo Bharat train achieves over 1 lakh riders on its inaugural full day following the launch of the Delhi-Meerut corridor.
"Bharat Mata ki Jai" echoed inside the coaches as commuters thronged the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) on its first full day of operations, with the NCRTC on Monday (February 23, 2026) recording its highest-ever ridership, which crossed the 1 lakh mark.
This came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the complete 82-km Delhi-Meerut corridor and the new Meerut Metro link, marking the first full day of commercial services on the entire stretch.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation had earlier said, "On Monday, with the last train scheduled to depart at 10 pm, NCRTC expects the total ridership to surpass 1 lakh commuters."
This was the highest ridership recorded on the corridor so far, the corporation said.
A video from Begumpul station in Meerut showed passengers eager to experience the new service. Large crowds were seen gathering on the spacious concourse early in the day, with many families and young people taking selfies and photos inside the train and station.
Another video showed commuters chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" while taking their first ride on the Meerut Rapid train, reflecting the festive mood among passengers.
Assembly protest ends in arrests as BJP targets Government over guarantees
Andhra Pradesh accelerates city gas distribution with streamlined approvals, enhancing access to cleaner energy and supporting sustainable urban development.
Sattankulam father-son custodial deaths case: Trial court convicts all nine accused police personnel
Nine police personnel convicted in Sattankulam custodial deaths; sentencing to be announced on March 30.
Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar supports local protests against a solid waste management plant in Turmuri, addressing residents' concerns.
Sattankulam father-son custodial deaths case: Trial court convicts all nine accused police personnel
Nine police personnel convicted in Sattankulam custodial deaths; sentencing to be announced on March 30.
Erode district conducts first EVM randomisation for April 23 Assembly elections, ensuring transparency and fairness in allocation.
TNCC conducts public consultation in Erode to gather community input for its upcoming election manifesto.
CID to investigate sexual assault allegations against suspended Moodbidri Police Inspector P.G. Sandesh, reveals Home Minister Parameshwara.
A 50-year-old woman was found dead in southwest Bengaluru’s Kengeri in the early hours of Monday, the police said.
Papanasam dam's water level reaches 66.15 feet, with inflow at 76 cusecs and discharge at 300 cusecs.
Development without impact: Coastal residents of Kanniyakumari and Nagercoil constituencies voice discontent
Rampant encroachments in Tiruchi threaten pedestrian safety and traffic flow, undermining smart pavement initiatives and exacerbating congestion.
Discover Kerala's electoral history in 'Vottarivu,' a 201-page booklet released ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.