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In a significant development aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, the ambitious Rapid Rail corridor connecting Delhi to Panipat has been extended to Karnal. This decision follows a recent meeting between Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Delhi, where both leaders agreed on expanding the project to include Karnal. A detailed survey for the Rapid Rail route from Panipat to Karnal is set to commence shortly. While surveys for the section up to Panipat were completed earlier, budget constraints had delayed the start of work. The extension to Karnal, however, is expected to fast-track the project’s completion.

The new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) will run from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Karnal in Haryana, covering a distance of 135 kilometres. Currently, a road trip from Delhi to Karnal takes around two and a half hours. Once operational, the Rapid Rail will reduce the travel time to just 45 minutes – a reduction of more than 80%. This high-speed service will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, offering commuters a fast, efficient alternative to road travel.