Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Corridor to be extended up to Bhavnagar, enhancing regional connectivity

AHMEDABAD : A 134 km broad-gauge semi-high-speed rail corridor is being surveyed for extension from Sarkhej to Bhavnagar, aiming to enhance regional connectivity. This project will link Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.

It’s designed for semi-high-speed trains operating at 200kmph on a broad-gauge network, with potential for Namo Bharat trains featuring the ‘Kavach 5.0’ safety system, setting new benchmarks in safety and automatic train protection. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the project is estimated at Rs 20,667 crore, utilizing indigenous technology. It is expected to significantly reduce travel times, with journeys from Sabarmati to Dholera airport estimated at 48 minutes and Sarkhej to Dholera airport at 38 minutes.

The corridor will feature 13 stations, 74km of viaducts, and a total track length of 293km, with a completion target of four years. It will run parallel to the expressway for efficient passenger and freight movement and provide 360-degree connectivity by integrating air, road, rail, and port infrastructure. Metro integration is planned at Sabarmati, Gandhigram, and Vastrapur stations. Sabarmati station will connect to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, and Moriya station will link to the Dedicated Freight Corridor.