The Ahmedabad Metro is set for a major expansion after the Public Investment Board (PIB) cleared the proposed Phase III project, which includes a planned link towards the upcoming Dholera International Airport.
The approximately 60-km expansion, being developed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), will require final approval from the Union Cabinet before construction can formally begin.
One of the key components of the project is a corridor connecting Thaltej Gam with Badrabad through Godhavi. The route is planned to serve rapidly developing residential, commercial and institutional areas in South West Ahmedabad.
The proposed corridor will begin around Shilaj Canal Road and run parallel to the Sardar Patel Ring Road, covering areas around Bopal and Shantipura before reaching Badrabad near the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway.
The Badrabad terminus is expected to provide a future gateway for extending metro connectivity towards the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and the international airport.
Metro connectivity for sports hub
The Phase III expansion will also connect the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) at Godhavi.
The proposed sports complex is being developed as a major sporting infrastructure hub and could play an important role if Gujarat’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games progresses. The metro connectivity is expected to improve access to the facility from different parts of Ahmedabad.
Vadaj loop to create circular connectivity
The project also includes a circular metro corridor beginning and ending at Vadaj. The proposed loop will pass through several important parts of the city, including Akhbarnagar, Naranpura, Shivranjani, Shyamal Crossroads, Jivraj Park, APMC, Pirana, Isanpur, Amraiwadi, Rakhial Road and Dudheshwar.
Interchange facilities at locations including Gujarat University, APMC, Amraiwadi and Vadaj are expected to allow passengers to travel between different parts of Ahmedabad without having to pass through the city’s congested central areas. The proposed circular route is aimed at improving cross-city connectivity and reducing pressure on existing transport corridors.
Preparatory work underway
Although the project is awaiting final Union Cabinet approval, preparatory activities have already begun, according to officials.
Detailed Design Consultants have reportedly been appointed for alignment and structural planning, while work related to geotechnical investigations and utility shifting is also being taken up.
The proposed 60-km Phase III network will have 41 elevated stations. Once completed, it is expected to strengthen connectivity between Ahmedabad’s established areas and its rapidly developing suburban and industrial zones while integrating with the existing East-West and North-South metro corridors.