India, Feb. 23 -- After the inauguration of the entire Namo Bharat rapid rail corridor and the extension of the Meerut Metro service here on Sunday, locals, including students, described the service as a "game changer" for education and employment in the region.

Ankit Chaudhary, a former office-bearer of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, said direct connectivity from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram would integrate Meerut more effectively with the national capital region and benefit over 150 universities and technical institutes located along the corridor.

Prashant Chaudhary, a university student, said travel time to Delhi would now be about an hour, helping balance studies and work opportunities.

Another student, Shivani, said safer and t...