PM’s address at the inauguration of India’s 1st Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor & flagging off of Namo Bharat Train
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 20 Oct, 2023

Bharat Mata ki – Jai! Bharat Mata ki – Jai! Bharat Mata ki – Jai! The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, the popular and dynamic Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath ji, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet, Hardeep Singh Puri ji, VK Singhji, Kaushal Kishore ji, and other esteemed dignitaries and a large number of my family members present here. Today marks a historic moment for the entire country. India’s first rapid rail service, the Namo Bharat Train, has been dedicated to the nation. Nearly four years ago, I laid the foundation for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Corridor project. Today, the Namo Bharat service is operational from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot. As I have said before, I reiterate that we not only lay the foundation but also inaugurate the projects we initiate. The Meerut section will be completed in a year or a year and a half, and I will also be at your service at that time. I have also experienced the journey on this ultra-modern train. While I spent my childhood on railway platforms, this new form of the railway excites me the most. It promises to be an enriching and joyful experience. In our tradition, auspicious tasks are performed during Navratri. Today, the country’s first Namo Bharat Train has also received the blessings of Goddess Katyayani. It is noteworthy that women, from drivers to all staff, are part of this new train. These are the daughters of our country. This represents the growing strength of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power). On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people of Delhi-NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh for this gift. The Namo Bharat Train embodies modernity, speed, and incredible efficiency. This Namo Bharat Train defines the new journeys and resolutions of New Bharat. My family members, I have always believed that the development of Bharat is possible through the development of states. Currently, we are joined by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah ji. Today, two metro lines in Bengaluru have been dedicated to the nation, improving connectivity to the IT hub of Bengaluru. Approximately 800,000 people in Bengaluru now commute daily via the metro. I heartily congratulate the people of Bengaluru for this new metro facility. My family members, In the 21st century, Bharat is scripting a new saga of progress in every sector. Our Bharat has cast its shadow on the world by landing Chandrayaan on the moon. Hosting the magnificent G20 summit, Bharat has become an attraction and curiosity for the world, eagerly embracing new opportunities to connect with the world. Today’s Bharat shines at the Asian Games, winning over 100 medals, including contributions from my Uttar Pradesh. Today’s Bharat launches 5G on its own and takes it to all corners of the country. Today’s Bharat is leading in digital transactions globally. When the COVID-19 crisis emerged, the vaccines developed in Bharat saved millions of people worldwide. Major companies are now coming to Bharat to manufacture mobile phones, TVs, laptops, and computers. Today Bharat develops fighter jets and builds the Vikrant aircraft carrier, unfurling the Tricolour at sea. The high-speed Namo Bharat Train that has started today is also made in India. This is Bharat’s indigenous train. Do you feel proud hearing this or not? Does your head rise high or not? Does every Indian see a bright future or not? Do the youth see a bright future or not? The screen door system inaugurated on the platform is also made in India. And let me tell you one more thing: when we travel in a helicopter, the Prime Minister’s helicopter, the noise inside is so much that it feels like it’s a flying tractor, the noise is louder than a tractor and you have to keep your ears covered. The noise in an airplane is quite loud too. Today, I saw that the Namo Bharat Train has even less noise than an airplane, meaning what a pleasant journey it is! Friends, Namo Bharat is a glimpse of the future of Bharat. Namo Bharat also proves that when the economic strength of the country increases, the image of our nation changes. This stretch of over 80 kilometers between Delhi and Meerut is just a beginning. Listen, this is just a start. In the first phase, many areas in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan will be connected via the Namo Bharat Train. Now that I mentioned Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot ji might lose his sleep. In the coming times, more regions in the country will have a system like Namo Bharat. This will lead to industrial development, and new employment opportunities will be created for the youth of my country, for the young sons and daughters of my country. Friends, This third decade of the century is the decade of transformation for Indian Railways. Friends, you are going to witness the entire railway system transformed in these 10 years. And I’m not in the habit of dreaming small, nor am I accustomed to slow speed. I want to assure the youth of today, I want to guarantee the youth of today that you will not find trains in Bharat lagging behind anyone in the world by the end of this decade. Whether it is safety, convenience, cleanliness, harmony, empathy, strength – Indian Railways will achieve a new milestone globally. Indian Railways is not far from achieving the goal of 100% electrification. Today, Namo Bharat has begun. Before this, the country received modern trains in the form of Vande Bharat. The work of modernizing railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station campaign is also progressing rapidly. The trinity of Amrit Bharat, Vande Bharat, and Namo Bharat will symbolize the modernization of Indian Railways by the end of this decade. Today, the country is swiftly working on a multi-modal transport system. This means integration of different modes of transportation. In Namo Bharat Train, attention has also been given to multi-modal connectivity. It connects stations like Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut through rail, metro, and bus terminals seamlessly. Now people won’t have to worry about finding another means of transportation for heading to home or office after getting off the train. My family members, It is essential in changing Bharat that the quality of life for all citizens improves. Everyone should breathe in clean air, waste heaps should disappear, there should be good means of transportation, good educational institutions for studies, and a better healthcare system. The Indian government is putting special emphasis on all these aspects today. The amount spent on public transport in Bharat today has never happened before in our country. Friends, We are making efforts in every direction—water, land, air, and space—for transportation. Looking at water transport, more than 100 waterways are being developed in the country today. The largest waterway is being created in the Ganges River. Multiple waterway terminals have been built for ships from Banaras to Haldia. This benefits farmers who can now send fruits, vegetables, and grains through the water route. Recently, Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, set a record by covering a distance of 3200 kilometers. New port infrastructure is expanding unprecedentedly along the coastal areas and is being modernised. It is also benefiting states like Karnataka. Speaking of land, the government is spending over 4 lakh crore rupees on a network of modern expressways. Whether it is trains like Namo Bharat or metro trains, over 3 lakh crore rupees are being invested in them. Residents in the Delhi-NCR region are well aware of the expansion of metro routes in recent years. In Uttar Pradesh, cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Meerut, Agra, and Kanpur are witnessing the initiation or future plans for metro services. Karnataka is also expanding metro services in cities like Bengaluru and Mysore. In the sky too, Bharat is spreading its wings rapidly. Air travel is becoming more accessible even for those wearing ‘Hawai chappals’. The number of airports has doubled in the past 9 years. Our airlines have ordered more than a thousand new planes in recent times. Similarly, our space endeavours are progressing swiftly. Our Chandrayaan has placed the Tricolour on the moon, and we have a solid roadmap until 2040. Soon, our Gaganyaan will venture into space carrying Indians, and we will establish our space station. The day is not far when we will land the first Indian on the moon. And all of this is happening for whom? It is happening for the youth of the country, for brightening their future. Friends, It’s essential for good air quality that pollution in cities is minimized. Keeping this in mind, a substantial network of electric buses is being developed in the country. The central government has initiated a plan to provide 10,000 electric buses to states. The Indian government, with an expenditure of 600 crores in the capital Delhi, has resolved to operate more than 1300 electric buses. Over 850 electric buses have already started running in Delhi. Similarly, the Indian government is providing assistance of 500 crores to Bengaluru to operate more than 1200 electric buses. The central government aims to enhance modern and green public transportation in every city, be it Delhi, UP, or Karnataka. Friends, Today, civic amenities are being prioritized in all the infrastructure development being carried out in Bharat. Infrastructure like the metro or Namo Bharat trains hold great significance for office-goers. For those with young children or elderly parents at home, it saves time for their families. For the youth, having excellent infrastructure ensures that big companies will come, establish industries, and create job opportunities. For businessmen, having good airways and roads ensures easy accessibility to customers. A robust infrastructure brings various businesses together, benefiting everyone. For a working woman, infrastructure like the metro or RRTS provides a sense of security. Not only does she travel safely to her office, but it also saves her money. As the number of medical colleges increases, both patients seeking treatment and young people aspiring to become doctors benefit. When digital infrastructure develops, even the poorest person receives their entitlements directly into their bank account. When citizens start receiving all services online, it liberates them from the hassle of making rounds of offices. Just now, we’ve seen UPI-enabled ticket vending machines, which also contribute to enhancing your convenience. All these sectors have witnessed unprecedented progress in the last decade, making life easier for people and eliminating many difficulties. My family members, It’s the time of festivals, the time of joy. The central government has made several significant decisions so that every family in the country can celebrate these festivals with utmost joy. These decisions will benefit farmers, employees, and our brothers and sisters who get pensions. The Indian government has significantly increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops. The MSP for masur lentils has been increased by over 425 rupees per quintal, for mustard by 200 rupees, and for wheat by 150 rupees per quintal. This will bring additional income to our farmers. The MSP for wheat, which was 1400 rupees per quintal in 2014, has now crossed 2000 rupees. The MSP for masur lentils has more than doubled in the last 9 years. The MSP for mustard has also been increased to 2600 rupees per quintal during this period. This commitment to providing farmers with more than one and a half times the cost of their produce demonstrates our dedication. Friends, The central government is ensuring that all fertilizers, including urea, are available to farmers at lower prices. The urea bag, which costs around 3000 rupees in many countries worldwide, is being provided in Bharat for less than 300 rupees. Will you remember this figure? This figure should remain in your memory. This benefits farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and farmers across the country. The Indian government is spending more than 2.5 lakh crores in a year on this. This huge sum is spent from the government’s treasury to ensure that urea does not become expensive for my farmers. Friends, It’s crucial not to waste the residue left after harvesting crops, such as rice straw and stubble. The government is actively working on this by establishing biofuel and ethanol units across the country. Compared to nine years ago, the country is now producing more than ten times the amount of ethanol. The production of ethanol has contributed nearly 65,000 crores to the pockets of our farmers. In just the last ten months, farmers across the country have received payments of over 18,000 crores. If I specifically mention the Meerut-Ghaziabad region, farmers here have received payments of over 300 crores for ethanol this year alone. The increased use of ethanol, especially in the transportation sector, is benefiting sugarcane farmers in my Meerut-Ghaziabad region. It is also helping to reduce the problem of pending dues for sugarcane farmers. Friends, As the festive season begins, the Indian government has already given a gift to our sisters and daughters. The price of gas cylinders has been reduced by 500 rupees for the beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme. The government is continuously providing free ration to more than 80 crore families across the country. A 4% Dearness Allowance has been announced for central government employees and pensioners. Diwali bonuses have also been given to our Group B and Group C non-gazetted railway employees. The additional thousands of crores reaching farmers and employees will benefit the entire society. The purchases made by them will boost markets and businesses. My family members, When there are empathetic decisions, the joy of festivals multiplies in every family. And when every family in the country is happy, I’m most delighted if your festivals go well. My celebration is in that happiness. My dear brothers and sisters, You are my family, and therefore, you are my priority. This work is happening for you. If you remain happy and make progress, then the country will progress. If you stay happy, I’ll be happy. If you are capable, the country will be capable. And brothers and sisters, Today, I want to ask you for something. I want to ask you for something. Will you give? This voice won’t go unheard. I want to ask you for something. Will you give? Raise your hands and assure me that you’ll give. Alright, look, even a poor person, if he has a bicycle, does he take care of it or not, does he clean it or not, tell me, does he or doesn’t he? If you have a scooter, do you keep it properly, clean it or not, does your scooter stay in good condition, does it feel good? So, these new trains which are being introduced belong to whom. Whose responsibility is it to take care of them? We will take care of them. Not a single scratch should come. Our new trains shouldn’t have a single scratch. Just like you take care of your own vehicle, it should be taken care of. Will you take care? Once again, congratulations to all of you for the Namo Bharat train. Many thanks! Raise your voice and speak with me, Bharat Mata ki – Jai! Bharat Mata ki – Jai! Bharat Mata ki – Jai! Bharat Mata ki – Jai! Thank you very much.