Union Cabinet Approves Ahmedabad Dholera Semi High Speed Rail Project Worth ₹20,667 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Ahmedabad Dholera Semi High Speed Rail project in Gujarat. The railway project has been approved with an estimated cost of around ₹20,667 crore and is expected to be completed by 2030-31.

According to official project information, the new semi high speed railway corridor will connect Sarkhej near Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region. The proposed railway line will cover approximately 134 kilometers and will expand the Indian Railways network in Gujarat.

The project is being developed as a double line semi high speed railway corridor under the Ministry of Railways. Officials stated that the project is planned using indigenous railway technology and is expected to become India’s first semi high speed rail project developed on a broad gauge network.

Government officials stated that the rail corridor is expected to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, the proposed Dholera International Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. Improved railway connectivity is expected to support passenger movement, regional transport access, and future infrastructure development in the area.

The project is also expected to reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera after operations begin. Officials indicated that the corridor could support easier daily travel and improve transportation efficiency between the two regions.

According to information shared by the government, the project is aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure and logistics planning across India. The railway corridor is expected to strengthen multimodal connectivity and support movement of people, goods, and industrial activity.

The project is expected to improve connectivity for around 284 villages located in the region, covering an estimated population of nearly five lakh people. Railway infrastructure projects in developing industrial regions are often considered important for regional mobility and economic activity.

Officials also stated that railway transportation is considered more energy efficient compared to road transport and may help reduce logistics costs and fuel consumption over the long term. Government estimates connected to the project mention possible reductions in oil usage and carbon emissions after the corridor becomes operational.

Infrastructure projects linked to Dholera have received increasing attention in recent years because of industrial planning, manufacturing investment proposals, and connectivity development in the region. The Ahmedabad Dholera Semi High Speed Rail project adds to ongoing infrastructure initiatives connected to Gujarat’s long term industrial and transport development plans.