Gurugram, Dec. 18 -- A key rail infrastructure project linking Gurugram and Manesar has crossed a major milestone, with one of the country's largest passenger rail tunnels under the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) achieving over 50% excavation, officials said. Officials reported 3,773 metres of the total 7,200-metre tunnel have been excavated, significantly advancing the project aimed at easing congestion around Gurugram's industrial hubs. The progress was reviewed by Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, also chairman of the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC). The tunnel is being constructed using the "New Austrian Tunnelling Method" from eight active faces, with two more under development. Rastogi said the project has already delivered operational gains, with the Manesar-Patli section and Maruti Railway Yard commissioned in June 2025. "Since then, 372 freight rakes have been loaded from the Maruti plant at Manesar," he noted, marking the start of regular revenue for the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Limited (HORCL). On statutory clearances, Rastogi stated, "Stage I forest clearance has been secured, while the proposal for Aravalli clearance has been submitted for approval." Land acquisition has progressed substantially, with Rs.1,533 crore disbursed against land awards of Rs.1,878 crore. The meeting also reviewed the Kurukshetra Elevated Track project, where all major works are completed, with the elevated platform nearing completion. Inspection by Northern Railways and the Commissioner of Railway Safety is pending. Rastogi directed officials to accelerate work and expand HRIDC's national role. On the proposed Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor from Sonipat to Palwal, officials said the feasibility study is at an advanced stage. "These projects reflect Haryana's commitment to building modern, efficient and sustainable rail infrastructure," Rastogi said....