The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) to Dholera semi high-speed double line railway project on May 13, 2026. This project is India’s first semi high-speed rail corridor built with indigenous technology. The government sanctioned an estimated cost of ₹20,667 crore for this development.
What are the key details of the Ahmedabad-Dholera rail project?
The corridor will span 134 km and connect Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). It will also provide connectivity to the Dholera International Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. The project is planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan to improve logistics and connectivity.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 220 km/h |
| Operational Speed | 200 km/h |
| Total Cost | ₹20,667 Crore |
| Project Length | 134 km |
| Completion Target | 2030-31 |
| Technology | Indigenously Developed |
How will this project benefit the common public and environment?
The travel time between Sarkhej and Dholera will drop to about 34-48 minutes. This project will benefit approximately 5 lakh people across 284 villages by creating new jobs and business opportunities. Environmentally, it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 crore kg annually and save about 0.48 crore litres of oil imports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the expected travel time between Sabarmati and Dholera?
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the travel time between Sabarmati and Dholera will be reduced to 48 minutes.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) – Dholera semi high-speed railway project is targeted for completion by 2030-31.