The Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) has taken a significant stride towards reshaping the industrial and environmental dynamics of IMT Manesar, with operations commencing on a crucial 7-kilometre link connecting the Maruti Plant at Manesar to Patli Railway Station, Gurugram.
This new rail section promises to revolutionise freight movement, ease road congestion, and advance sustainable logistics in one of Haryana’s key manufacturing hubs. Constructed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HRIDC), the corridor’s inaugural stretch will allow direct rail access to the Maruti Suzuki plant, enabling finished vehicles to be loaded directly onto freight trains. Historically, these vehicles were transported by road trailers, adding to vehicular congestion and increasing carbon emissions. With this direct rail link, the transport of automobiles and auto parts will become more streamlined, reducing reliance on diesel-powered trucks and mitigating environmental impacts.
The corridor also anticipates optimising the supply chain by facilitating the rail-based delivery of automotive components from various regions directly to the Manesar plant. This shift is expected to significantly lower the number of heavy vehicles on highways, leading to substantial fuel savings and a reduction in air pollution. Experts describe this development as a crucial step towards establishing a more sustainable and efficient freight ecosystem. The broader vision for HORC extends beyond this initial section, encompassing a 121.7-kilometre rail stretch linking Palwal, Manesar, and Sonipat, targeted for completion by 2027. A remarkable engineering undertaking on this route is a 4.7-kilometre double-stack container tunnel cutting through the Aravalli hills, demonstrating the project’s scale and technical ambition.
Several stations are planned along the corridor, including Turkpur, Kharkhoda, Jasor Khedi, Mandothi, Badli, Devrakhana, Badhsa, New Patli, Pachgaon, Manesar, Chandla Dungarwas, Dhulavat, Sohna, Silani, and New Palwal. Notably, the corridor will also link the Maruti Suzuki facility in Kharkhoda, Sonipat, strengthening the industrial rail network across Haryana. Integration with the Dedicated Freight Corridor at Prithla and Tauru will further enhance the corridor’s freight handling capacity and efficiency. This synergy is expected to position Haryana as a vital logistics hub within northern India, bolstering industrial competitiveness while advancing sustainable urban mobility goals.
The launch of this rail section arrives at a critical juncture when the push for zero-net carbon emissions and eco-friendly infrastructure is gaining momentum. By prioritising rail freight over road transport, the HORC project aligns with national sustainability objectives, emphasising gender-neutral and equitable urban development that benefits communities and businesses alike. As this initiative unfolds, it will be essential to monitor its impact on local economies, environmental health, and social equity. If successful, the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor will serve as a model for integrating industrial growth with sustainable infrastructure, balancing economic imperatives with ecological stewardship.
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