Ahmedabad Metro Network Set for Major Rs 25,746 Crore Expansion with New Circular Loop
In a significant infrastructure push, Ahmedabad's metro connectivity is poised for a transformative upgrade with several route extension plans currently on the rails. Once approved and implemented, these ambitious projects will create a comprehensive metro loop starting and ending at APMC, strategically aligned along the 132-foot Ring Road corridor.
Strategic Loop to Connect Key City Areas
This proposed circular corridor will intersect with the existing east-west and north-south metro lines, creating vital connections across western, central, and southern parts of Ahmedabad. The state government has decided to fast-track this expansion, particularly focusing on routes to the ambitious South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) and Sanand, as the city prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Sanand emerges as a semiconductor manufacturing hub.
The circular route will begin at APMC and proceed through Shivranjani and Helmet crossroads before heading toward Akhbarnagar and Vadaj, where it will connect with the existing line at RTO Circle. From there, officials indicate the corridor will extend toward Civil Hospital via Shahibaug, then turn east toward Amraiwadi, passing near CTM Crossing before moving south through Narol Circle, Piplaj Circle, and Gyaspur, ultimately returning to APMC to complete the loop.
Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Integration
SWASA in Godhavi represents one of four major sports complexes being developed for the Commonwealth Games, alongside the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, Naranpura Sports Complex, and Police Academy Sports Hub in Karai. The metro expansion aims to provide seamless connectivity to these venues, with plans targeting completion of the entire Rs 25,746 crore project by 2029.
The state government has already approached the Union railway ministry and initiated land acquisition procedures for this massive undertaking. The comprehensive project includes multiple components: the GIFT City extension, airport metro connectivity, Thaltej Gam-Sanathal route, RTO-Jivraj-Narol-Naroda circular corridor, and Paldi-Apparel Park connection.
Detailed Project Reports and Approvals
Metro authorities have approved the detailed project report (DPR) for the circular loop and forwarded it to the state government for final approval. Following state-level clearance, the proposal will be submitted to the central government for necessary sanctions.
The circular corridor will strategically intercept the existing east-west corridor (Thaltej to Vastral Gam) near Helmet Crossroads and again near Amraiwadi. It will also utilize portions of the north-south corridor from APMC to Jivraj Park and from Vadaj to RTO Circle, significantly improving transfer efficiency and reducing dependence on radial travel patterns throughout the city.
Key Route Specifications and Costs
The RTO-Jivraj-Narol-Naroda stretch is estimated at approximately 35.74 kilometers, with a projected cost of Rs 10,675 crore. Under the corridor extension project, several specific routes are being developed:
- A 7.7-kilometer route from Thaltej Gam to SWASA via Shilaj Crossroads, estimated at Rs 2,825 crore
- A 12.5-kilometer branch from Thaltej Gam to Shilaj Crossroads leading to Sanathal via Bopal and Shela, running parallel to the SP Ring Road, costing approximately Rs 3,735 crore
Additional Extensions Under Planning
Metro officials are currently preparing a DPR for the SWASA-Sanand extension, planned as an approximately 8-kilometer route with an expected cost of Rs 2,400 crore. Another proposed link under consideration would connect Jivraj Park with Apparel Park via Paldi and Danilimda crossroads, including connectivity to an ST bus stop. This project, if approved, would span about 9.5 kilometers with an estimated cost of Rs 2,850 crore.
The comprehensive metro expansion represents a strategic investment in Ahmedabad's transportation infrastructure, designed to support the city's growth as a sports destination and industrial hub while improving daily commute for residents across all major areas.
