The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project at an estimated cost of Rs 20,667 crore, marking the first semi high-speed project of Indian Railways.
The 134-km corridor, planned with indigenously developed technology as part of the government’s push for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, is scheduled for completion by 2030-31. Semi high-speed rail corridors are designed to operate at higher speeds than conventional trains using upgraded rail infrastructure and advanced technology to improve connectivity and reduce travel time.
The proposed rail line will connect Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.
The Centre said the corridor would reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera, while improving regional connectivity and enabling easier daily commuting and same-day return travel.
Describing the project as a pioneering initiative, the government said it would serve as a reference model for the phased expansion of semi high-speed rail corridors across the country.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project aims to strengthen multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning.
The Centre said the rail corridor would support economic development and generate employment and self-employment opportunities in the region in line with the vision of a self-reliant India.
The project, covering Ahmedabad district in Gujarat, will add around 134 km to the existing network of Indian Railways and improve connectivity for nearly 284 villages with a population of about five lakh people.
The government also highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, stating that the rail corridor is expected to reduce oil imports by nearly 0.48 crore litres and cut carbon emissions by about 2 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting around 10 lakh trees.
