Gurgaon Administration Forms Joint Panel to Tackle HORC Land Hurdles
The district administration in Gurgaon has taken decisive action to address the persistent land acquisition challenges that have been impeding the progress of the ambitious Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC). On Friday, officials directed the formation of a specialized joint committee tasked with resolving these critical land transfer issues that threaten to delay this vital infrastructure project.
Joint Committee Composition and Mandate
This newly established panel will comprise representatives from two key government entities: the Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HRIDC). Their primary responsibility involves conducting comprehensive site inspections to identify specific land parcels that need to be transferred from HSIIDC for the HORC initiative. Furthermore, the committee must ensure these identified areas are clearly marked on-site to prevent any future ambiguities or disputes.
Project Background and Strategic Importance
The foundation stone for this transformative railway corridor was ceremoniously laid in October 2022, marking the beginning of what promises to be a game-changing transportation network for the region. Spanning an impressive 126 kilometers, the HORC will create a crucial rail link connecting Palwal to Sonipat, with strategic stops at Sohna, Manesar, and Kharkhoda along its route.
Beyond its primary route, the corridor will establish important interconnections with the dedicated freight corridor at Parithala and New Tauru. It will also integrate with existing Indian Railways stations at Patli, Sultanpur, Asaudha, and Harsana Kalan, creating a comprehensive transportation ecosystem.
Construction Phases and Current Progress
To streamline construction efforts, HRIDC has strategically divided the extensive 126-kilometer route into two manageable segments. Part A encompasses a 30-kilometer stretch running from Dhulawat in Palwal to Patli within Gurgaon district. Part B covers the remaining 96-kilometer section between Patli and Palwal.
Notably, significant progress has already been achieved on a specific segment. The 10-kilometer portion between Manesar and Patli, which forms part of the 30-kilometer route, became operational in 2025. This functional stretch already provides valuable connectivity to the prominent Maruti manufacturing plant in Manesar, demonstrating the project's immediate practical benefits.
Administrative Directives for Expedited Resolution
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar, who presided over a crucial joint review meeting on Monday with officials from HSIIDC, HRIDC, Public Works Department (PWD), and district revenue authorities, issued clear instructions to accelerate the resolution process. "We have directed that the process be expedited for structures whose awards are not declared yet," Kumar emphasized during the meeting.
The deputy commissioner further instructed that valuation reports for structures completed by PWD should be submitted promptly to facilitate the issuance of necessary awards. He stressed the urgency of settling any pending compensation for beneficiaries, regardless of the reasons for delay, on a priority basis and at an accelerated pace. "This is essential to ensure that project work is not hindered at any level," Kumar added, highlighting the administration's commitment to removing obstacles.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Describing the HORC as "an important infrastructure project that will give new direction to industrial development and transportation in the region," the deputy commissioner underscored its transformative potential. He directed all concerned officials to work collaboratively toward time-bound resolution of all pending issues through mutual coordination and proactive problem-solving.
This administrative intervention represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex land acquisition challenges that often plague large-scale infrastructure projects in India. By establishing a dedicated joint committee and setting clear deadlines, the Gurgaon administration aims to create momentum that could potentially unlock the full economic and logistical benefits of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor for the entire National Capital Region and beyond.
