The 134-kilometer broad-gauge semi-high-speed rail corridor under the Sarkhej-Dholera double-line project is now undergoing a survey to further extend the corridor to Bhavnagar, aiming to improve regional connectivity. The state government and Indian Railways announced at a press conference on Friday that the new corridor will connect Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.
Key Features of the Corridor
Ahmedabad divisional railway manager Ved Prakash stated that this will be the first corridor to run semi-high-speed trains on a broad-gauge network. While the corridor is designed for a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour, trains are expected to operate at 200 kilometers per hour. Future operations on the route are anticipated to feature Namo Bharat trains equipped with the next-generation 'Kavach 5.0' safety system. “The project would establish a new benchmark in safety and automatic train protection,” Prakash said.
Project Approval and Investment
Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20,667 crore using indigenous technology. State chief secretary Manoj Kumar Das noted that the project is expected to drastically cut travel time and create seamless multimodal connectivity. “The Sarkhej-Dholera semi-high-speed double-line project will take Dholera’s development to new heights,” he added.
Travel Time Reductions
The travel time from Sabarmati to Dholera airport is expected to reduce to 48 minutes, while the journey from Sarkhej to Dholera airport would take about 38 minutes. Prakash mentioned that the corridor will connect Ahmedabad, Dholera-SIR, the upcoming Dholera international airport, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex.
Infrastructure Details
The line will feature 13 stations, three major bridges, 74 kilometers of viaducts, 39 road underpasses, and two rail-over-rail bridges. The total track length will be approximately 293 kilometers, with a completion target set at four years. Railway officials stated that the alignment will run parallel to the expressway, improving fast passenger movement and freight integration. Das emphasized that the corridor would give Dholera 360-degree connectivity by linking air, road, rail, and port infrastructure.
Integration with Other Networks
Officials noted that Metro integration has also been planned at Sabarmati, Gandhigram, and Vastrapur stations. Sabarmati station will connect with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, while Moriya station will link with the Dedicated Freight Corridor. The extension survey to Bhavnagar is expected to further enhance regional connectivity and economic development.
