Two new Namo Bharat regional rail corridors are being planned to strengthen connectivity between Delhi and important urban and industrial centres in Haryana.
The proposed Delhi-Panipat-Karnal and Delhi-Gurugram-Bawal corridors are expected to significantly reduce travel times. Once operational, journeys from Delhi could take around 90 minutes to Karnal and approximately 67 minutes to Bawal.
The projects are reportedly in the final stages of securing approval from the Centre, following the successful operation of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor.
Delhi-Karnal Route to Connect Major Haryana Centres
The proposed Delhi-Panipat-Karnal corridor will provide a faster regional connection to several important locations across Haryana.
The route is expected to serve Kundli’s Education City, Sonipat, Barhi Industrial Area, Panipat, the IOCL refinery and Karnal. The improved rail link could benefit students, employees and regular commuters travelling between these centres.
The corridor is planned to cover around 136 km, with an estimated project cost of ₹33,051 crore.
Delhi-Bawal Corridor to Strengthen Industrial Connectivity
The second route, covering around 93 km, will connect Delhi with Gurugram, Manesar, the Manesar-Bawal Investment Region and Bawal.
The proposed project is estimated to cost ₹32,327 crore.
The corridor is also expected to connect Delhi Airport with the Namo Bharat network, creating an additional regional transport option for passengers travelling between the airport, business districts and industrial areas in southern Haryana.
Delhi-Karnal Travel Time Could Fall to 90 Minutes
The proposed corridors could bring a major reduction in road travel times.
The journey from Delhi to Karnal, which currently takes close to three hours by road, is expected to take around 90 minutes by the proposed Namo Bharat service.
Similarly, the Delhi-Bawal journey could be reduced from roughly three hours to about 67 minutes.
Preparatory Work Begins Ahead of Approval
Some preliminary activities are already underway along the proposed routes. These include geotechnical surveys, utility mapping and the relocation or modification of extra-high-tension power lines and water pipelines.
According to NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel, both projects are at an advanced stage of the approval process.
The preparatory work could help speed up construction once the necessary government clearances are received.
Corridors Could Support Wider NCR Development
The proposed rail links could have an impact beyond improving passenger mobility.
Better connections between Delhi and Haryana’s emerging urban and industrial centres could encourage the distribution of economic activity across the NCR and reduce development pressure on the national capital.
The corridors are also expected to encourage Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) around Namo Bharat stations, potentially supporting mixed-use development and new commercial and residential opportunities.
Construction and future operations could additionally generate employment across the two projects.
If the proposals receive the required approvals and move ahead as planned, the new Namo Bharat corridors could become an important part of the NCR’s expanding regional transport network.
