Major Expansion Plans for Namo Bharat Train and Corridor Project

The Namo Bharat Train project is set to gain momentum following the formation of the BJP government in Delhi. Previously, delays occurred due to the AAP government’s hesitation in granting in-principle approval and allocating its share of the budget. However, with BJP now in power in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, the project is expected to progress without obstacles.

Work on key rapid rail corridors, such as Delhi-Panipat-Karnal and Delhi-Alwar, is set to accelerate. The Central Government has allocated ₹2,918 crore in the latest budget for the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to support these developments.

Delayed Approvals Slowed Down Progress

Although the previous AAP-led Delhi government verbally agreed to the Supreme Court’s directive for consent, it did not provide formal written approval. Due to this, the Delhi-Panipat-Karnal and Delhi-Alwar corridors could not advance at the expected pace.

However, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, spanning 82.5 km, nears completion, largely due to Supreme Court intervention.

Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Karnal Corridors to Gain Speed

Government sources indicate that work on the Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Karnal corridors is now set to accelerate. The Delhi-Meerut corridor is already in its final stage, and attention is now shifting to these other routes.

The Delhi-Alwar route, which passes through Delhi, Gurugram, Shahjahanpur, Neemrana, and Behror (SNB), awaits final approval from the Central Government. Officials expect that once the first corridor is completed this year, work on the second corridor will commence.

Sarai Kale Khan to Become a Key Connection Hub

Additionally, a third corridor from Delhi to Karnal is being planned, with its Detailed Project Report (DPR) already prepared. NCRTC may soon finalize this route as well. Sarai Kale Khan will serve as the primary hub, connecting all these corridors.

Significant Travel Time Reduction Expected

During a recent PM Gati Shakti Mission meeting, the progress of the Delhi-Karnal corridor was reviewed. Once completed, the travel time between Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) and Karnal (Haryana) will be drastically reduced from the current 3.5–4 hours to just 90 minutes. This corridor will strengthen connectivity between Delhi, North NCR, and key urban centers in Haryana.