Archive · 15 Sep 2026
New Namo Bharat Corridors Promise Faster Delhi-NCR Travel
India is planning two new fast regional train corridors around Delhi.
One would connect Delhi, Panipat, and Karnal.
The other would connect Delhi, Gurugram, and Bawal.
A trip from Delhi to Karnal could take about 90 minutes instead of nearly three hours.
A trip from Delhi to Bawal could take about 67 minutes instead of about three hours.
The projects still need approval from the central government.
Workers have already started checking the ground and mapping utilities.
The trains could help people reach jobs, schools, airports, and industrial areas more easily.
They may also reduce traffic and encourage new development around stations.
NCRTC is preparing Delhi–Panipat–Karnal and Delhi–Gurugram–Bawal corridors.
The Delhi–Karnal journey could fall from nearly 180 minutes to 90 minutes.
The Delhi–Bawal journey could decrease from about 180 minutes to approximately 67 minutes.
Both projects are awaiting central government approval, while preparatory investigations have begun.
The corridors are expected to improve connectivity, reduce road congestion, and support regional economic growth.
- Who
- The National Capital Region Transport Corporation, led on this issue by Managing Director Shalabh Goel, is preparing the projects.
- What
- Two proposed Namo Bharat corridors would connect Delhi with Karnal and Bawal.
- When
- Cabinet approval is expected soon, but no specific date is provided.
- Where
- The corridors would run through parts of the National Capital Region, including Panipat, Karnal, Gurugram, Manesar, and Bawal.
- Why
- The projects aim to shorten journeys, improve regional connectivity, reduce road congestion, and support economic development.
- Proposed corridors
- Delhi–Panipat–Karnal and Delhi–Gurugram–Bawal
- Projected Delhi–Karnal time
- About 90 minutes, down from nearly 180 minutes
- Projected Delhi–Bawal time
- About 67 minutes, down from approximately 180 minutes
- Approval status
- Both projects are in the final stages of securing approval from the Centre
- Preparatory work
- Geotechnical investigations, utility mapping, and utility shifting or modification have begun
- Existing Namo Bharat corridor
- The Delhi–Meerut corridor spans 82 kilometres and has 16 stations
- Existing corridor cost
- The Delhi–Meerut corridor was developed at an estimated cost of Rs 30,274 crore