100 kilometers metro linkage shall soon be established between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.The project aims to provide for a better and faster transit between the cities and link them efficiently with the city centres and other important destinations.
This elevated metro project shall be built in two phases spanning 61.55 kilometers and 38.45 kilometers respectively. The first phase shall connect Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar and the second phase shall connect Ahmedabad to Dholera. Since the project is supposed to have a long gestation period, it has been put on fast track by the state government and is one amongst the early bird projects.
Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad-Dholera project was included in the master plan for DMIC and approved by the authorities. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) (with initial paid up capital of Rs. 10 crore) shall oversee the development of this project and shall be under complete ownership of Government of Gujarat. This SPV shall undertake all crucial activities to ensure seamless development of the project including activities such as land acquisition, discussion of funding pattern with state and central government, shifting of utilities in phased manner and development of metro corridor, depos and bus depos.
The first phase (61.55 Kms) shall be divided into two parts and follow the below mentioned route map:-
Phase 1
1. APMC/Vasna- Akshardham (Gandhinagar) via Ashram Road, Motera, Koba circle - 32.65 kms
2. Ahmedabad junction - Thaltej via Delhi Darwaja - 10.90 kms.
Phase 1 Extension
1. Koba Circle - GIFT City -Gandhinagar - 10 kms.
2. Koba Circle - Airport - 8 kms
The Dholera metro project in particular has caused quite a stir and will be an important development in the economic progress of the smart city. It is being planned as an effective urban transport system that will be instrumental in linking the city conveniently and speedily to the important urban centres, Dholera international airport, bus depos and railway stations. Dholera metro is projected to be the commuting lifeline for 80,000 passengers (40,000 each side) every day. By 2031, it is expected to be utilized by 1.70 million commuters.
The Ahmedabad airport project is also expected to important for price boom in realty sector in the region. The project shall be built in two parts and the first phase which shall cover 35.96 Kms has been approved Rs. 10,773 crore by Union Cabinet. First phase shall further be divided into two parts:-
Phase 1 - North-South Corridor (15.42 Kms)
APMC- Vasna -Motera stadium
Phase 1 Extension - East-West Extension (20.54 Kms)
Thaltej Gam - Vastral Gam
The series of events that led to the approval of the mega metro project are mentioned below:-