The Haryana government has proposed Rajiv Chowk as the starting point for the Gurugram–Faridabad–Noida Namo Bharat (RRTS) corridor, citing higher ridership potential, stronger connectivity, and better integration with existing transport networks. The proposal, however, has led to differences with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which has raised concerns over increased costs and construction challenges.
The proposed RRTS corridor is envisioned as a high-speed airport-to-airport link, connecting IGI Airport in Delhi with the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, passing through Gurugram and Faridabad. According to the draft Detailed Project Report (DPR), the corridor is currently planned to start from IFFCO Chowk in Gurugram, move via Sector 54, enter Faridabad at Bata Chowk, and then continue towards Noida sectors 142/168 before linking to Jewar via Surajpur. The route includes six stations and is estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore, making it the third RRTS corridor passing through Haryana.
Haryana officials argue that starting the corridor from IFFCO Chowk does not adequately serve Gurugram’s larger population. They believe Rajiv Chowk, located at the heart of the city, offers a far superior catchment area and functions as a natural interchange point. Rajiv Chowk is already planned to host an underground station on the Delhi–Gurgaon–Manesar–Bawal RRTS corridor and is also expected to gain metro connectivity under the proposed Bhondsi–Gurgaon railway station corridor.
As one of Gurugram’s busiest junctions, Rajiv Chowk connects key road networks including the Delhi–Jaipur highway, Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, and Sohna Road, effectively linking Old and New Gurugram. It is surrounded by dense residential and commercial areas such as Sadar Bazaar, Civil Lines, Old Delhi Road, Subhash Chowk, and multiple city sectors. The presence of administrative offices, courts, industrial hubs, IT parks, hospitals, and a stadium further strengthens its potential for consistent, all-day ridership.
Officials have downplayed concerns about a longer alignment, pointing out that IFFCO Chowk and Rajiv Chowk are only about 5 km apart. At an operational speed of nearly 180 kmph, this would add just one to two minutes to travel time—an acceptable trade-off for higher ridership and better integration.
NCRTC, however, maintains that starting from Rajiv Chowk would significantly increase project costs. While the original 11 km elevated alignment from IFFCO Chowk is estimated at Rs 2,858 crore, an underground option from Rajiv Chowk could raise costs to Rs 4,825 crore, nearly Rs 2,000 crore more. NCRTC has also warned of major traffic disruptions on NH-8 for up to three years during construction near Rajiv Chowk.
The final alignment decision is expected after further evaluation of costs, engineering feasibility, and long-term commuter benefits.
