Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor: Construction Of Twin Rail Tunnels In Aravallis Set To Begin Soon

The construction of the twin-tunnel project of the Haryana Orbit Rail Corporation is set to begin soon.

The tunnels, each with a length of 4.7 km, will pass through an 80-m high vertical cliff of the Aravalli range, as part of the 121.74 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) project.

The estimated cost for this project is Rs 1,088 crore.

Haryana chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, who is also the chairperson of the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC), announced the upcoming construction of the twin tunnel project.

This project aims to bridge the gap between the proposed IMT Sohna and Dhulawat stations in Gurugram.

During the HRIDC meeting, chief secretary Kaushal emphasised that the HORC twin tunnels will have a positive impact on freight transportation and economic growth in the area.

These tunnels will be constructed using the new Austrian tunneling method, a cutting-edge technology known for its safety and efficiency in challenging terrains.

According to him, the tunnels will incorporate cutting-edge features like a high-rise overhead electrification system and a ballast-less track system, guaranteeing excellent performance and long-lasting durability, reports Hindustan Times.

Kaushal also mentioned that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has approved a loan of Rs 1,040 crore for the ongoing HORC part-A projects.

Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC)

HORC is a new electrified double broad-gauge rail line connecting Harsana Kalan (Sonipat) and Asaoti (Palwal) in Haryana, through 17 stations along the Western Peripheral Expressway or Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway.

The Orbital Rail Corridor is a crucial infrastructure project to decongest the existing Indian Railways network in the national capital region.

The project will decongest Delhi by diverting passenger and freight traffic not originated or destined for Delhi.

The foundation stone of the project was laid on 27 October 2022 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and it is expected to be ready by FY 2025-26.