The Delhi-Haryana RapidX corridor, a highly-anticipated transportation project, has recently experienced significant alterations to its planned alignment. These adjustments, we’ll explore in this article, are set to reshape the transport landscape of Gurgaon.
The initial plan for the Delhi-Haryana RapidX corridor involved routing it along the Old Delhi-Gurgaon road, where it was to intersect NH-8 at Signature Towers. However, this original design has undergone a considerable transformation, resulting in the corridor’s introduction through Aerocity, marking Cyber Hub as its initial station.
The ramifications of this adjustment, while promising in terms of enhanced connectivity, are not without their challenges. To accommodate the new alignment, a revised detailed project report (DPR) is necessary, inevitably extending the project’s timeline. In a city notorious for its traffic woes, these delays can be particularly frustrating for its residents.
Delving further into the specifics of the alteration, the newly proposed RapidX track will follow the Delhi-Jaipur side of the expressway from Aerocity to Cyber Hub. This change is intended to enhance accessibility for Gurgaon’s growing population. Additionally, from Cyber Hub, the corridor will transition to the opposite side of the expressway, continuing to Kherki Daula.
One noteworthy feature of this new alignment is the proposed construction of a three-level underground station at Kherki Daula. Such a station is poised to revolutionize the daily commutes of Gurgaon’s residents, promising increased efficiency. The subsequent three stations – Manesar, Pachgaon, and Dharuhera – are set to be at ground level, a modification aimed at streamlining the daily journeys of thousands of commuters.
Previously, the RapidX corridor was planned to extend all the way to the Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror (SNB) urban complex in Rajasthan. However, this plan has been truncated, shortening the corridor to approximately 80 kilometers. Of this distance, 60 kilometers will span Gurgaon and Rewari districts in Haryana. The stations at Cyber Hub, Rajiv Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, and Kherki Daula will all be underground.
To provide context, the previous alignment intended the corridor to run from Aerocity to the Kapashera border, eventually reaching Atul Kataria Chowk via the Old Delhi-Gurgaon road. The plan was to traverse Signature Towers and Rajiv Chowk to arrive at Kherki Daula. This modification is a result of endeavors to enhance traffic flow and improve transportation efficiency.
The Delhi portion of the corridor remains unaffected by these changes. It will commence at Sarai Kale Khan, the juncture where the Haryana line intersects with the Delhi-Meerut RapidX corridor, extending to Aerocity via Jor Bagh and Munirka. The entirety of the Delhi section will be underground, guaranteeing seamless connectivity.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the initial plan to align the corridor alongside the expressway encountered resistance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI had its own expansion and additional work plans. However, they have since concurred to permit the RapidX line alongside the expressway, signifying a nod for these considerable adjustments.
In a city that is continuously expanding, these alignment changes have significant implications. The corridor is poised to serve a substantial number of office-goers working within the Cyber City area, delivering them a more efficient daily commute. As Gurgaon continues to attract businesses and residents alike, the enhancement of transportation infrastructure plays a pivotal role in its growth.
The organization responsible for constructing the RapidX corridor, the NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC), is presently gearing up to formulate a new detailed project report (DPR). Prior to this decision, extensive pre-construction work had been completed for the previous alignment. This involved the relocation of utilities and the clearance of encroachments along the Old Delhi-Gurgaon road. Despite the setback caused by these changes, they are deemed vital for creating a more efficient and streamlined transportation system.
It’s not uncommon for ambitious projects like the RapidX corridor to face political hurdles. In July of this year, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar attributed delays in the Delhi-Gurgaon-SNB and Delhi-Sonipat routes to the Delhi government. He alleged that the Delhi government had been obstructing progress on these two routes, suggesting that the Gurgaon route commence from Aerocity.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Gurgaon’s transportation infrastructure, the recent changes to the Delhi-Haryana RapidX corridor are nothing short of a revolution. Though they have altered the project’s timeline, they promise a more efficient and accessible system for Gurgaon’s residents. As the city continues to expand, these developments are crucial to its continued growth.
Also Read: Delhi Metro’s Aerocity Station: A Game-Changer for South Delhi and Airport Connectivity