Semi-high speed rail network in Gujarat approved
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, May 13: The Union Government has approved a new project covering Ahmedabad district in Gujarat, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 134 Kms at an estimated cost of over Rs 20,000 crore and expected to be completed up to 2030-31.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) – Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project of the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of Rs 20,667 crore.
It will be Indian Railways 1st semi high-speed project, planned with indigenously developed technology.
The project section will provide faster connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera, upcoming Dholera Airport and Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC).
Connecting Ahmedabad with Dholera will cut down passenger travel time enabling comfortable daily commuting and same‑day return trips.
This semi high speed railway would not only bring two cities closer but also bring the people living hundreds of kilometers away, closer to each other.
As India’s first semi high-speed rail project, the project will serve as a pioneer project acting as a reference model for the phased expansion of semi high-speed rail across the country.
The new line proposal will provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
The project is in line with the Prime Minister’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
The project is planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.
These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.
The project covering Ahmedabad district in Gujarat will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 134 Kms.
