Two New Rapid Rail Routes Between Delhi And Haryana Get Approval: Check Routes, Cost And Other Details

The Indian government is set to boost regional connectivity with the approval of two new rapid rail routes in Delhi NCR. The Namo Bharat (RRTS) corridors will connect the national capital to Gurgaon, Rewari, Sonipat, Panipat and Karnal. The project, worth a combined Rs 65,000 crore, has received approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB). It will now move to the Union Cabinet for final approval.

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The housing and urban affairs ministry has proposed two rapid rail projects - the 93-km Sarai Kale Khan-Bawal RRTS corridor, estimated to cost Rs 32,000 crore, and the 136-km Sarai Kale Khan-Karnal corridor, which requires an investment of Rs 33,000 crore. 

The Public Investment Board, led by the Union expenditure secretary, has recommended that Delhi and Haryana collaborate to implement value capture financing. This model enables governments to fund projects by leveraging the increased private land value resulting from public infrastructure development.

Sarai Kale Khan to Bawal Route

The Sarai Kale Khan-Bawal corridor originates at Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and is planned to run through parts of South Haryana. It will cover the industrial nodes of the state, such as Manesar and Bawal, along the edge of the national highway network. 

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In its first phase, the corridor will feature 16 stations and will span approximately 107 km from Delhi to SNB Urban Complex near Bawal. When fully extended further south, the proposed route will be aligned along NH-8 and is expected to include roughly 22 stations.

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Sarai Kale Khan to Karnal Route

The Sarai Kale Khan-Karnal corridor will start from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and stretch northwards through Haryana. It will pass through major towns like Sonipat and Panipat before terminating at Karnal. The total length of the route is approximately 136.3 km. 

For tendering purposes, the alignment is divided into three sections: the first from Sarai Kale Khan to Alipur, the second from Alipur to before Samalkha, and the third from Samalkha to Karnal New ISBT.

The participating states have been advised to adopt transit-oriented development (TOD) and establish Urban Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTAs). The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is currently revising the TOD policy to enhance integration of infrastructure and urban growth along key transport corridors.