Ahmedabad: Metro connectivity is all set to get better. On the rails are several route extension plans, which once okayed and implemented, will create a metro loop starting and ending at APMC through a corridor aligned to the 132-foot Ring Road. This loop will intersect the existing east-west and north-south lines to connect key parts in the city's west, centre and south.
The state govt has decided to fast-track the proposed metro rail expansion to the ambitious South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) and Sanand, among other routes, as Ahmedabad gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Sanand emerges as a semiconductor hub. SWASA in Godhavi is one of the four other major complexes being readied — the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, the Naranpura Sports Complex and the Police Academy Sports Hub in Karai, where CWG events will be held.
With plans to complete this Rs 25,746 crore expansion project by 2029, the state govt approached the Union railway ministry and drew up plans to acquire land. The project includes the GIFT City extension, airport metro connectivity, Thaltej Gam-Sanathal, the RTO-Jivraj-Narol-Naroda circular corridor, and the Paldi-Apparel Park route.
The proposed loop will start at APMC and run through Shivranjani and Helmet crossroads before heading towards Akhbarnagar and Vadaj, from where it will connect to the existing line at RTO Circle. According to officials, the circular route will then extend towards Civil Hospital via Shahibaug, before turning east towards Amraiwadi, passing close to CTM Crossing. From there, it will move south to Narol Circle, Piplaj Circle and Gyaspur, and then return to APMC to complete the loop.
Officials said the detailed project report (DPR) for the loop was approved by metro authorities and forwarded to the state govt for final okay. After the state's green light, the proposal will be sent to the Centre.
The circular corridor will intercept the existing east-west corridor (Thaltej to Vastral Gam) near Helmet Crossroads and again near Amraiwadi. It will also use portions of the north-south corridor from APMC to Jivraj Park and from Vadaj to RTO Circle, improving transfers and reducing dependence on radial travel patterns. The RTO-Jivraj-Narol-Naroda stretch is estimated at approximately 35.74km, with a projected cost of Rs 10,675 crore.
Under the corridor extension project, a 7.7km route will run from Thaltej Gam to SWASA via Shilaj Crossroads. This stretch will be built for an estimated Rs 2,825 crore. The second branch from Thaltej Gam to Shilaj Crossroads will lead to Sanathal via Bopal and Shela, running parallel to the SP Ring Road. This route will be 12.5km long and will be built for Rs 3,735 crore.
Metro officials said a DPR is now being prepared for the SWASA-Sanand extension, planned at about 8km with an expected cost of Rs 2,400 crore. Another proposed link under planning would connect Jivraj Park with Apparel Park via Paldi and Danilimda crossroads, with connectivity to an ST bus stop. This project, if approved, would be about 9.5km and cost an estimated Rs 2,850 crore.
Himanshu Kaushik is Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India...
Read MoreHimanshu Kaushik is Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Ahmedabad. He reports on Wildlife and state government. He takes special interest in reporting on wildlife and has tracked the Gir lions for 25 plus years. He likes listening to music.
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