New Delhi: The Haryana Cabinet has approved the construction of the 136-km-long Delhi–Panipat–Karnal Namo Bharat corridor, a major regional rapid transit project aimed at improving connectivity between Delhi and parts of Haryana. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, allowing passengers to cover the distance in around 90 minutes.
The corridor will be developed under the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation. Work on the project is likely to begin soon following the cabinet’s approval.
Project Cost and Funding
The total estimated cost of the corridor is over ₹33,000 crore. Out of this, the Haryana government will contribute ₹7,472 crore, which will be released in phases, according to an official statement.
The project is part of a larger plan to connect Delhi with nearby cities through high-speed rail networks, easing congestion and improving daily commute options.
Stations, Halts and Route – Check Here
The Delhi–Panipat–Karnal corridor will have around 17 to 21 stations along its 136-km stretch. Key stations on the route include Sarai Kale Khan, Kashmere Gate, Burari and Alipur in Delhi, along with Kundli, Sonipat, Gannaur, Panipat, Gharaunda and Karnal in Haryana.
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In total, 11 stations are proposed within Haryana, aimed at improving connectivity between urban and semi-urban areas of the state and the National Capital Region.
The project will be developed as part of Phase 1 of the Namo Bharat network. It will integrate with other RRTS corridors, including the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut line, which is already operational, and the Delhi–Gurugram–SNB–Alwar corridor, which is currently under construction.
All three corridors will converge at the Sarai Kale Khan Namo Bharat station in Delhi, enabling seamless travel across routes without the need to change stations.
Extension from Panipat to Karnal
Initially, the corridor was planned only up to Panipat. However, it was later extended to Karnal following public demand. The expansion increased the total length from about 103 km to 136 km.
The plan to extend the corridor to Karnal was first announced in 2020 by former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Impact on Travel and Pollution
Once completed, the corridor is expected to reduce travel time, decongest roads, and provide a cleaner transport alternative. Officials say the project will also contribute to lowering pollution levels by reducing dependence on road transport.
The Delhi–Panipat–Karnal Namo Bharat corridor is seen as a key infrastructure push to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the NCR.
(With Inputs from PTI)
