The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has begun preparatory work for the Rs 36,000 crore Delhi-Panipat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, initiating utility diversion along a 22-km stretch between Narela and Murthal.

While awaiting final financial approvals from the Centre and the Delhi and Haryana governments, NCRTC has floated tenders for relocating power lines, cables and transformers, a critical step expected to take a year before full-scale construction of stations and tracks begins. Designed for trains running at 180 kmph, the 136-km corridor with 17 stations will reduce travel time between Delhi and Panipat to under an hour. It will extend to Karnal in later phases and is part of the high-speed Namo Bharat network.

The Sarai Kale Khan station will serve as the interoperable hub for all RRTS lines, enhancing connectivity across the NCR. Officials say the corridor will decongest NH-44 and encourage population shift to satellite towns by offering efficient daily connectivity.