A major new rapid rail corridor designed to slash travel times across the National Capital Region (NCR) has moved a step closer to reality. The proposed Namo Bharat line will directly connect Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Greater Noida.
According to reports, the crucial geotechnical survey work for the route has been completed. This survey assesses soil and terrain conditions, marking a key preliminary phase in the infrastructure project.
The initiative aims to provide a high-speed alternative to the heavily congested road networks that currently define inter-city travel in the region.
What is the Namo Bharat NCR corridor route plan?
The planned corridor will stretch approximately 65 kilometres. It is set to begin at IFFCO Chowk in Gurugram on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. From there, it will proceed through Faridabad before entering Noida and terminating in Greater Noida. The route will also integrate with the separate Ghaziabad-Jewar Airport Namo Bharat project.
Initially, six stations are planned. These include stops at Sector 54 Golf Course Road in Gurugram, Bata Chowk in Faridabad, Sectors 85-86 in Faridabad, a station at Sector 142-168 in Noida, Surajpur and Greater Noida. Reports suggest the number of stations could later be increased to nine.
Transforming the Greater Noida to Gurugram commute
The project promises to revolutionise travel for thousands of residents. The trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour, with a frequency of one every five to seven minutes.
This could reduce the journey between Greater Noida and Gurugram to roughly 60 minutes. The same trip by car or bus during peak hours can often take between two and two-and-a-half hours.
As per reports, the corridor is expected to ease traffic congestion significantly. By offering a fast and reliable public transit option, it could persuade many commuters to shift away from private vehicles.
Next steps and project timeline
With the geotechnical survey complete, focus now shifts to the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR is expected to be finalised within the next three months.
This comprehensive report will then be submitted to the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for their formal approval. The construction of the entire corridor is estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore, according to a News18 report.
The project is part of a broader push by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to build a network of semi-high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors across the NCR, branded under the Namo Bharat name.
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