The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday gave its approval to the Rs 20,667 crore Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project. This corridor marks the first instance of Indian Railways planning a route using indigenously developed technology.
Project Details and Timeline
The 134-kilometer corridor is expected to be completed within four years. It will connect Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal. Once operational, the travel time between Sarkhej and Dholera is projected to be around 34 minutes, enabling daily commuting and same-day return travel.
Stations and Connectivity
The project will include 13 stations and is designed to support both passenger and freight movement. Government officials stated that the corridor is being developed as a reference model for the phased expansion of semi high-speed rail networks across the country.
Integration with PM Gati Shakti
The railway line has been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The corridor is expected to enhance mobility and connectivity across industrial, logistics, and urban clusters emerging around Dholera. Officials noted that the project will directly improve connectivity to approximately 284 villages with a combined population of nearly five lakh people.
Environmental Benefits
The central government highlighted that the rail corridor would contribute to environmental goals by promoting rail-based transport. According to official estimates, the project is expected to reduce oil imports by around 0.48 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 crore kg. This is equivalent to the plantation of approximately 10 lakh trees.
