Haryana Cabinet Greenlights Major Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Namo Bharat RRTS Corridor
The Haryana cabinet, in a significant move on Tuesday, approved the implementation of the Delhi–Panipat–Karnal Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. This decision marks a major push towards enhancing high-speed regional connectivity and urban mobility in the state.
Project Details and Financial Allocation
As per the approved proposal, the RRTS corridor will extend from Delhi to Panipat and further up to Karnal, covering a total distance of 136.3 kilometers. The project is estimated to cost Rs 33,051 crore, with Haryana's share amounting to Rs 7,472 crore, which will be released in phases. The corridor is set to feature 11 stations within Haryana, aiming to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, and help curb pollution in the region.
Metro Extension and Transit-Oriented Development
In addition to the RRTS corridor, the cabinet cleared the revised detailed project report (DPR) for the Rithala–Narela–Kundli metro extension under Phase IV. This 2.7-kilometer elevated corridor will include two stations—Kundli and Nathupur—at a cost of Rs 545.8 crore. Haryana will bear Rs 448.5 crore of this amount, with the Centre contributing Rs 97.3 crore.
To improve project viability, the cabinet approved transit-oriented development (TOD) provisions, allowing for higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) around RRTS stations. Depot infrastructure will be developed jointly with provisions for commercial use to generate additional revenue streams. The administrative secretary of town and country planning has been designated as the nodal officer for execution, while the chief minister has been authorized to approve modifications during implementation.
Future Extensions and Approvals
The cabinet also proposed extending the corridor beyond Karnal to Panchkula via Kurukshetra and Saha, a move that will be taken up with the Centre and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The project has already received approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB) of the Government of India, underscoring its strategic importance.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) Cost Revision: The cabinet approved a revised cost estimate for the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Project, increasing it to approximately Rs 11,709 crore from the earlier sanctioned cost of Rs 5,618 crore. This revision reflects updated cost assessments based on current market conditions, project scope enhancements, and policy changes, reaffirming the state's commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and boosting industrial growth.
Judicial Amendments: The cabinet approved an amendment to Section 30 of the Punjab Courts Act, 1918, as applicable to Haryana, to remove legal ambiguity and ensure alignment with existing central legislation. This decision follows a recommendation from the registrar general of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, who highlighted that the current provision refers to repealed acts, now replaced by the Indian Succession Act, 1925.
Other Administrative Updates:
- Service rules have been updated in accordance with Supreme Court directions.
- For pharmacy officers, the six-month training clause has been removed, and the direct recruitment share has been raised to 95%.
- Eligibility for operation theatre assistants has been updated to include modern degree courses in medical technology.
- The last pay certificate format has been revised to streamline employee transfers within treasury rules.
These comprehensive approvals highlight Haryana's proactive approach to infrastructure development, legal reforms, and administrative efficiency, positioning the state for enhanced economic and social progress.
