AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News): The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved the proposed Phase 3 expansion of the Ahmedabad Metro. This will create a 60 km network with a planned connection to Dholera International Airport. The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) is developing the project. It needs final approval from the Union Cabinet before civil construction can start.
Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 to expand network towards Dholera
A key part of Phase 3 is the new corridor from Thaltej Gam to Badrabad via Godhavi. The line will begin at Shilaj Canal Road and follow the Sardar Patel Ring Road. It will go through important areas and intersections like Bopal and Shantipura before reaching Badrabad near the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway. The Badrabad terminal is planned as a future connection point for extensions towards the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and Dholera International Airport. The new corridor is expected to improve connectivity for the growing residential, commercial, and institutional areas in southwest Ahmedabad.
Metro link to Sports Hub
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Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 plan will also link the metro network with the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) at Godhavi. This sports complex is being developed as a major sporting facility and could host significant events in the future, including those related to Gujarat’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. A direct Metro connection is expected to make this venue more accessible from different parts of Ahmedabad.
Vadaj Circular Metro to connect major areas
The Phase 3 proposal also includes a circular Metro corridor that will start and end at Vadaj. The proposed loop will cover several parts of western, eastern, and southern Ahmedabad. Key locations include:
- Akhbarnagar
- Naranpura
- Shivranjani
- Shyamal Crossroads
- Jivraj Park
- APMC
- Pirana
- Isanpur
- Amraiwadi
- Rakhial Road
- Dudheshwar
The circular route aims to provide an alternative to traveling through the central areas of the city. Major interchange stations are planned at Gujarat University, APMC, Amraiwadi, and Vadaj. These interchanges will allow passengers to move between different parts of the city without going through the central business district.
41 elevated stations planned
The proposed Ahmedabad Phase 3 network will include 41 elevated stations across the 60-km expansion. The new corridors will connect emerging suburban areas with the existing East-West and North-South corridors of Ahmedabad Metro. This will create more interchange options and expand the reach of the city’s Metro network.
Although the Union Cabinet’s final approval is still pending, preparatory work has already begun. According to the information provided, GMRC has hired Detailed Design Consultants (DDCs) to handle the structural alignments. Other preparatory activities include:
- Geotechnical soil testing
- Utility diversion planning
- Utility diversion tenders
- Structural design work
These activities aim to minimize the time needed before construction starts once the project gets final approval.
Next Step: Union Cabinet approval
The PIB clearance marks a significant step for the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 expansion. But, the project still requires final approval from the Union Cabinet before construction can begin. If approved, the expansion will extend Ahmedabad Metro towards rapidly developing areas around the city and create a future transit link to Dholera.
Also Read: Ahmedabad Metro crosses the milestone of 50 Lakh monthly ridership in July