Rapid rail transit plan to Karnal raises hope among residents
The discussion on the possible expansion of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) corridor to Karnal has rekindled hope and excitement among residents of the fulfillment of their long standing demand of having an RRTS corridor. The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini discussed with officials the possibilities of the proposed expansion of RRTS corridor to Karnal on Tuesday in a meeting held in Delhi.
Originally planned from Sarai Kale Khan to Panipat, the route may now be expanded further to Karnal improving connectivity between Delhi and Karnal.
Union Minister Khattar also shared the outcome of the meeting on social media platform ‘X’ saying, “A review meeting to discuss projects under the Gurugram Metro Rail Limited and HMRTC along with Chief Minister Haryana Nayab Singh Saini and senior officials was held. Discussions focused on accelerating key metro and RRTS projects, including Delhi-Dharuhera, Delhi-Panipat, and Panipat-Karnal corridors, along with the Gurugram Rapid Metro expansion.”
This proposed extension is seen as a major development for Karnal residents, who believe it will cut down travel time, save costs, and reduce fuel consumption for those traveling to Delhi. The residents of Karnal remain hopeful that the project will soon become a reality ushering in benefits.
“The extension of the RRTS route will be helpful for commuters. It will not only reduce travel time but also improve job opportunities by boosting the region's overall connectivity,” said Anshul Narang, a local social activist.
Rajiv Kumar, another activist, said, “This is a long pending demand. Karnal has been waiting for better transport facilities ever since it was included in the NCR. If the project is implemented, it will benefit everyone, from daily commuters to businesses.”
Karnal was included in the National Capital Region (NCR) on June 9, 2015, raising hopes of residents for improved infrastructure and transport systems such as RRTS and Metro. The announcement of the inclusion of Karnal and Jind was made earlier in the previous Congress government on January 20, 2014, but due to some reasons these were not included. The residents were hopeful of better facilities and development, like RRTS and Metro, job opportunities, and more funds for development along with more industries.
Fulfilling the demand of the residents of Karnal city, the then CM Manohar Lal Khattar had announced to extend Delhi-Panipat corridor of RRTS up to Karnal with a stoppage in Gharaunda in January 2020.
After expansion, the length of the project will increase to 130 km with three more stations including Gharaunda, Karnal South near Madhuban and Karnal North near the new bus stand. The length of the corridor planned from Delhi to Panipat is 103 km.
Earlier, after the state government had approved the extension, the detailed project report (DPR) for the Delhi-Panipat corridor, was submitted by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in December 2020.
Top-level meeting held
- CM Saini, Union Minister Khattar discussed the possibilities of proposed expansion of RRTS corridor to Karnal with officials
- Originally planned from Sarai Kale Khan to Panipat, the route may now be extended to Karnal, improving connectivity with Delhi
Will improve job opportunities
The extension of the RRTS route will be helpful for commuters. It will not only reduce travel time but also improve job opportunities by boosting the region’s overall connectivity. — Anshul Narang, a local social activist
