Haryana clears ₹33,051 crore rapid rail corridor linking Delhi to Panipat and Karnal

The Haryana cabinet has approved a ₹33,051 crore Regional Rapid Transit System corridor connecting Delhi with Panipat and Karnal, marking a significant expansion of high speed commuter infrastructure in the National Capital Region.

The proposed 136 km corridor, part of the Namo Bharat network, will have 11 stations and is expected to sharply reduce travel time between the national capital and key industrial towns in Haryana. The project is designed to ease congestion on existing road and rail routes while offering a faster and more reliable daily commute.

Officials said the corridor will integrate with existing and planned urban transport systems. The Rithala to Narela to Kundli metro extension is expected to complement the rapid rail line, improving last mile connectivity and widening access for commuters across the northern stretches of Delhi and adjoining Haryana districts.

The cabinet also approved a revised cost of ₹11,709 crore for the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, another key project aimed at decongesting Delhi by diverting freight and non Delhi bound traffic.

The rapid rail project is expected to support the development of new urban clusters along the route, with planners looking at transit oriented development to shape future growth. Improved connectivity to Panipat and Karnal, both important industrial centres, is also expected to strengthen economic activity in the region.

The decision comes amid a broader push to build integrated transport infrastructure across the NCR, with an emphasis on reducing pollution, cutting travel time and supporting regional mobility.