The NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) has proposed three new orbital rail corridors around Delhi to improve connectivity. These rail loops will connect Delhi with parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The plan aims to divert traffic away from the main city, reduce travel time, and lower the dependence on road transport.
What are the three proposed rail corridors
The proposed network consists of three different layers to manage passenger and goods movement across the National Capital Region. The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) is already under construction between Sonipat and Palwal and is expected to be ready by 2028. The Regional Orbital Rail Corridor (RORC) will connect major growth centers, while the Outer Orbital Rail Corridor (OORC) is currently in the conceptual stage.
Which cities and areas will benefit from this project
The network will connect around 25 cities and towns, providing direct access to industrial hubs and the upcoming Jewar Airport. Key locations included in the plan are:
| State | Key Cities/Towns |
|---|---|
| Haryana | Sonipat, Palwal, Rewari, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Panipat |
| Uttar Pradesh | Meerut, Baghpat, Khurja, Shamli, Jewar |
| Rajasthan | Bhiwadi |
| Other | Nuh |
How will this impact travel and population pressure
Officials stated that the orbital system will create bypass routes for urban and industrial hubs. This will ease the pressure on existing railway lines and move more commuters from roads to trains. With the NCR population expected to grow from 7.5 crore to 15 crore in the next 15 years, these corridors are necessary to manage traffic in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor be completed?
The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC), which runs between Sonipat and Palwal, is expected to be finished by 2028.
Which cities will be connected by the Regional Orbital Rail Corridor?
The RORC will connect Sonipat, Shamli, Meerut, Jewar, Nuh, Bhiwadi, Rewari, Jhajjar, Rohtak, and Panipat.