Haryana Govt approves extension of Delhi-Alwar Namo Bharat Corridor to Bawal

Gurugram, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major push to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth in South Haryana, the Haryana government has approved the extension of the Delhi–Alwar Rapid Rail Transit corridor up to Bawal, reversing its earlier decision to terminate the first phase at Dharuhera.

The move — confirmed by the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) — is expected to transform mobility for thousands of commuters while accelerating industrial and logistics development in the region.

The extension follows strong intervention by Union Minister and Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit Singh, who objected to limiting the corridor to Dharuhera. Singh urged Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar to extend the corridor further toward Shahjahanpur in Rajasthan, highlighting Bawal’s growing industrial and logistical significance.

“I strongly believe that the first phase should ideally extend up to Shahjahanpur in Rajasthan,” Singh said. “The Rajasthan government should come forward to bear its share so that rapid rail can seamlessly connect both states.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment to securing swift Union Cabinet approval to expedite construction.

On September 26, HMRTC officially communicated the state’s in-principle consent to NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for extending the corridor up to Bawal.

HMRTC Managing Director Chander Shekhar Khare stated that any further expansion beyond Bawal would require cost-sharing with the respective state governments.

Khare’s communication cited several large-scale developments as key reasons for the extension — including the Integrated Multi-Modal Logistics Hub (IMLH), the Manesar–Bawal Investment Region (MBIR), and the 2,400-acre expansion of IMT Bawal.

The extension promises to be a game-changer for commuters, industries, and businesses across south Haryana. Direct rapid rail access will significantly reduce travel time between Gurgaon and Bawal, offering smooth connectivity to employment centres and industrial clusters while easing road congestion.

Officials say the new connectivity will also help integrate the Delhi–Gurgaon–SNB–Alwar corridor into a seamless economic and transport network. The project is expected to enhance access to Rajasthan’s key industrial zones — including Shahjahanpur, Neemrana, and Behror — spurring cross-border economic activity.

The decision comes after years of inter-departmental deliberations and evolving alignment plans.
In August 2023, authorities agreed to develop the Delhi–Gurgaon–SNB corridor in two stages — from Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) to Dharuhera, followed by Dharuhera to SNB.
However, subsequent meetings chaired by Union Minister Khattar and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recommended that the entire route be developed in one go for better integration and cost efficiency.

Earlier this year, it was again decided to limit the line to Dharuhera, but the government has now reinstated the extension following further review.

The original 2019 alignment along the Old Delhi–Gurgaon Road was later revised in August 2023 to run parallel to the Delhi–Gurgaon Expressway (NH-8), featuring 22 stations, including Cyber City, IFFCO Chowk, and Signature Towers.

The updated Detailed Project Report (DPR) is awaiting Union Cabinet approval, but NCRTC has already invited bids for a general consultant for the Delhi–Gurgaon–SNB corridor.

Offering her perspective on this strategic development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “The decision to extend the rapid rail corridor to Bawal is both visionary and timely. It will not only improve daily commutes but also unlock the immense industrial and logistics potential of South Haryana. By connecting key economic zones, the corridor will become a powerful growth corridor — strengthening India’s regional connectivity vision under Viksit Bharat 2047 and driving sustainable urban development.”

The Delhi–Alwar Rapid Rail corridor, one of the three priority lines under the Namo Bharat network, is designed to dramatically cut travel times between Delhi and regional hubs. The newly approved Bawal extension reinforces the government’s commitment to building a future-ready, high-speed transport ecosystem for India’s fast-growing industrial regions.

With alignment plans firming up and construction preparations underway, South Haryana is poised to emerge as one of North India’s most connected and economically dynamic zones in the coming decade.