The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project of the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of ₹20,667 crore.
The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will cover Ahmedabad district in Gujarat and increase the existing Indian Railways network by about 134 Km.
According to a government statement issued on Wednesday, 13 May, the project is expected to be completed up to 2030-31.
The project will be Indian Railways’ first semi high-speed project, planned with indigenously developed technology, according to the ministry.
The project section will provide faster connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.
The government said connecting Ahmedabad with Dholera will cut passenger travel time and enable comfortable daily commuting and same-day return trips.
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As India’s first semi high-speed rail project, the line is expected to serve as a reference model for the phased expansion of semi high-speed rail across the country.
The new double line is aimed at providing direct connectivity, improving mobility and enhancing efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
The project is planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.
The government said the project will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.
The proposed line is expected to improve connectivity to around 284 villages, with a combined population of about 5 lakh.
The government also said the project will support climate goals and help reduce logistics costs.
It is expected to reduce oil imports by 0.48 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 2 crore Kg, which the statement said is equivalent to the plantation of 10 lakh trees.
The approval comes as Dholera is being developed as a major industrial and connectivity hub in Gujarat, with the semi high-speed rail link expected to support movement between Ahmedabad, the industrial region, the upcoming airport and the maritime heritage complex at Lothal.
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