India approves first semi high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Dholera
India's Cabinet approved the Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line railway project, marking the country's first semi high-speed rail corridor using indigenous technology at a cost of Rs 20,667 crore. The 134-km corridor, part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aims to reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to under an hour and support industrial growth in the Dholera Special Investment Region by 2030-31.
India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line railway project, the country’s first semi high-speed rail corridor developed with indigenous technology. The 134-kilometer corridor, costing Rs 20,667 crore, will connect Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. The project aligns with the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and is part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 kmph, with the line designed for 220 kmph, reducing travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to under an hour. Travel between Sabarmati and Dholera may take 48 minutes, while Sarkhej to Dholera could take around 34 minutes. The corridor will support both passenger and freight movement, improving access to the Dholera Special Investment Region, a major industrial hub. It is estimated to benefit nearly 284 villages with a combined population of around 500,000 people. The project is targeted for completion by 2030-31 and aims to lower carbon emissions by reducing reliance on road transport. Officials highlight its potential to serve as a model for future semi high-speed rail expansion across India.
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