"HRIDC Initiates Feasibility Study for Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor".

The Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC) has announced plans to conduct a feasibility study for the Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor (EORC) project, aimed at enhancing connectivity across northern India.

According to an official statement released on Thursday, the proposed 135-km EORC will span from Palwal in Haryana to Sonipat, traversing through Ghaziabad, Noida, and Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. The corridor will run parallel to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, linking key cities and facilitating smoother transport logistics.

"It is projected that 90 km of the corridor will be situated within Uttar Pradesh, while the remaining 45 km will fall under Haryana's jurisdiction," the statement detailed, highlighting the collaborative effort between the two states.

The Uttar Pradesh government has tasked HRIDC with conducting the feasibility study, marking a significant step towards advancing the ambitious infrastructure project.

The decision was finalized during a meeting of the HRIDC Board of Directors chaired by Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad, who also serves as the Chairman of HRIDC.

Managing Director Rajesh Agarwal outlined additional ongoing initiatives by HRIDC, including feasibility studies for new rail lines between Narwana and Uklana, and a new chord line at Kurukshetra. He also noted that the Railway Board has sanctioned the final location survey for the Karnal-Yamunanagar new rail line, underscoring HRIDC's efforts to expedite project approvals from the Ministry of Railways.

"Furthermore, the HRIDC has received Railway Board approval for the final location survey of the Farukhnagar-Jhajjar New Line, aimed at enhancing rail connectivity between the IGI Airport Delhi and the upcoming Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar," Agarwal added.

In addition to these developments, HRIDC is conducting a feasibility study to elevate the Kaithal railway track and station, aimed at eliminating existing level crossings and improving operational efficiency.

The feasibility study for the Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor represents a strategic move towards bolstering regional connectivity and facilitating economic growth through enhanced transportation infrastructure.

As the study progresses, stakeholders anticipate significant advancements in the realization of the EORC, marking a transformative development for rail connectivity in northern India.

ET