HRIDC Projects Gain Momentum with Major Milestones Across Haryana Rail Network
Chandigarh The Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who is also the Chairman of Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC), presided over the 34th meeting of the Board of Directors, where significant progress across key rail infrastructure projects was reviewed, signalling a transformative phase in the State’s rail connectivity.
Revised Cost Estimate Strengthens Project Vision
It was informed in the meeting that the Cabinet has approved a revised project cost of approximately Rs. 11,709 crore, compared to the earlier sanctioned cost of Rs. 5,618 crore. The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) will provide seamless rail connectivity to major industrial and logistics hubs such as Kharkhoda, Manesar, and Sohna, while also catalysing the development of new townships in the Haryana NCR region. The corridor is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating faster freight movement, reducing transit time, and accelerating industrial growth.
HORC Tunnel: Major Engineering Milestone Achieved
In a notable engineering accomplishment, excavation of 4,349 metres—around 61% of the total 7,070-metre tunnel—has been completed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). Work is progressing simultaneously from nine faces, reflecting efficient planning and execution. The tunnel remains a critical component of the HORC project and its rapid progress underscores HRIDC’s commitment to timely delivery.
All Key Environmental and Forest Clearances Secured
The project has successfully secured all major environmental and forest clearances, marking the removal of critical regulatory hurdles. Stage-I Forest Clearance was granted in October 2025, followed by approval for the remaining tunnel alignment in village Rojka Meo on March 4, 2026. Additionally, the crucial Aravalli clearance was granted on March 20, 2026, further enabling unhindered construction activity.
Rs.1,929 Crore Compensation Disbursed to Stakeholders
Demonstrating a strong commitment to stakeholder welfare, HRIDC has disbursed Rs. 1,929 crore—approximately 85% of the total compensation award of Rs. 2,273 crore—to landowners across five districts. Gurugram has achieved 99% disbursement, followed by Nuh at 94%. Notably, private land compensation has reached Rs. 1,346 crore, accounting for 95% of the total private land award, reflecting a transparent and efficient compensation framework.
Kurukshetra Elevated Track Ready for Commissioning
The Kurukshetra Elevated Track (KET) project is nearing completion and is set for commissioning in April 2026. All 21 spans of the elevated viaduct have been completed, along with civil, track, signalling, and overhead electrification works. The project will soon be presented for inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety. The new Thanesar station is also in its final stages and is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026.
Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor
The Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor (EORC), an important inter-state connectivity initiative from Sonipat to Palwal via Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar, is progressing steadily. Field surveys, drone mapping, and traffic assessments have been completed. The revised draft feasibility report was submitted on March 23, 2026, with the final report, including financial analysis, expected shortly.
