New Namo Bharat corridors target 90-minute Delhi-Karnal journey

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation is preparing two new Namo Bharat corridors connecting Delhi with Panipat-Karnal and Gurugram-Bawal, with the projects in the final stages of securing approval from the Centre.

According to NCRTC managing director Shalabh Goel, the proposed Delhi-Panipat-Karnal corridor could reduce travel time between Delhi and Karnal from nearly 180 minutes to 90 minutes.

The proposed Delhi-Gurugram-Bawal corridor could reduce the journey between Delhi and Bawal from about 180 minutes to around 67 minutes.

Preparatory work for both corridors has already begun. This includes geotechnical investigations, utility mapping and shifting or modification of extra-high-tension power lines and water pipelines.

The Delhi-Panipat-Karnal corridor is planned to connect Education City in Kundli in Sonipat, the Barhi Industrial Area, Panipat city, the IOCL refinery and Karnal.

The proposed Delhi-Gurugram-Bawal corridor will connect Gurugram, Manesar, the Manesar-Bawal Investment Region and Bawal.

Goel said the Bawal corridor would also provide connectivity to Delhi Airport through the Namo Bharat network.

The proposed corridors are also intended to support transit-oriented development around stations.

The projects are still awaiting the required government approvals. NCRTC has begun preparatory activities so that construction can move faster after the approvals are received.

The proposed corridors follow the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which connects Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut.

The Delhi-Meerut corridor spans 82 km and has 16 stations.