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Rail corridor linking Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat ports approved

2023-07-17

The Ministry of Railways has given the green light to the 129 km South Haryana Economic Rail Corridor, linking Haryana with four ports in Gujarat via Rajasthan. The ministry will conduct a survey for the semi-high-speed rail corridor. Once constructed, trains on the corridor will run at speeds of 130-160kmph.

The project received approval from the Haryana government in 2022 and is estimated to cost Rs 1,225 crore. The aim of the project is to reduce travel time and improve connectivity to industrial hubs.

The proposed rail corridor will stretch from Farrukhnagar in Gurgaon to Loharu in Bhiwani, passing through Jhajjar and Charkhi Dadri. The corridor will eventually connect with Bahadurgarh and Sonipat through the under-construction Orbital Rail Corridor. This project will be executed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC), a joint venture between the Indian Railways and the Haryana government.

According to officials, upon its completion, the project will significantly reduce the travel distance between Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, making the route to Gujarat shorter and more convenient for commuters.

The implementation of this project will result in reduced travel time between Delhi and various cities in Rajasthan, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar. Additionally, it will also shorten the travel duration between Delhi and destinations in Gujarat, such as Gandhidham, Bhuj, and Dwarka. Currently, trains from Delhi follow a route via Rewari to reach Rajasthan.

At present, HRIDC is working on the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC), which will connect Palwal to Sonipat, through Sohna, Manesar and Kharkhoda, benefiting both passenger and goods transportation. The railway ministry has also approved a survey for a double line between Gadi Harsuru and Loharu via Sultanpur Farrukhnagar, Jhajjar, and Charkhi Dadri. Once completed, the project will significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and various destinations in Rajasthan and Gujarat.