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Cabinet Approves Rs 20,667 Crore Double Line Railway Project in Gujarat

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ahmedabad-Dholera semi-high-speed double line railway project worth Rs 20,667 crore. This project will provide faster connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. It aims to cut travel time, enhance daily commuting, and boost employment opportunities in the region. The project aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan and is expected to reduce oil imports and CO2 emissions significantly.

Key Points: Rs 20,667 Cr Double Line Railway Project in Gujarat Approved

  • Project cost Rs 20,667 crore
  • Covers 134 km in Gujarat
  • Connects Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, airport
  • Will reduce CO2 emissions by 2 crore kg
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Cabinet approves Rs 20,667 crore double line railway project in Gujarat

Cabinet approves Ahmedabad-Dholera semi-high-speed double line railway project worth Rs 20,667 crore, enhancing connectivity and employment in Gujarat.

"These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services - Cabinet Statement"

New Delhi, May 13

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Ahmedabad-Dholera semi-high-speed double line railway project - the first of the Indian Railways planned with indigenously developed technology, with a total investment of Rs 20,667 crore.

The project section will provide faster connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, the upcoming Dholera Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC), a Cabinet statement said.

Connecting Ahmedabad with Dholera will cut down passenger travel time, enabling comfortable daily commuting and same‑day return trips. This semi-high-speed railway will not only bring the two cities closer but also benefit people living hundreds of kilometres away. It will serve as a pioneer project, acting as a reference model for the phased expansion of semi-high-speed rail across the country, it added.

The project covering the Ahmedabad district in Gujarat will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 134 km. The proposed projects will enhance connectivity to around 284 villages, with a population of about 5 lakh.

The new line proposal will provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The project is in line with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a New India, which will make people of the region "atmanirbhar' by way of comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment opportunities, the statement said.

The project is planned in accordance with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services, the statement said.

The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (0.48 crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (2 Crore kg), which is equivalent to the plantation of 10 lakh trees, the statement added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 20,667 crore is a huge investment. While connectivity is important, I hope they also focus on local train networks in smaller towns that are neglected. But yes, linking Ahmedabad to Dholera and Lothal heritage site is smart for tourism and business.
V
Vikram M
This is a step in the right direction! PM Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and Gati Shakti is taking shape. The reduction in oil import and CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 10 lakh trees is impressive. More such projects needed across India.
J
James A
Interesting development. As someone who travels to India for business, better rail connectivity between cities like Ahmedabad and Dholera is crucial. The semi-high-speed tech is promising. But I wonder about land acquisition delays - hope it doesn't drag on.
K
Kavya N
Finally! Direct connectivity to Dholera SIR. But what about the cost? ₹20,667 crore is massive. Will it be viable? Also, hope they don't ignore existing railway infrastructure maintenance in other parts of Gujarat. Balance is key.
S
Siddharth J
As a railway enthusiast, this is exciting! Semi-high-speed with indigenous tech is a game-changer for Indian Railways. Linking to Lothal heritage site will boost tourism. But 134 km for 20k crore seems expensive per km. Need transparency on cost breakdown.

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