Cabinet Approves India’s First Indigenous 200-kmph Ahmedabad-Dholera Rail Corridor

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of India’s first indigenously developed semi-high-speed rail corridor connecting Ahmedabad and Dholera in Gujarat.

The 134-kilometre double railway line project has been cleared at an estimated cost of ₹20,667 crore and is designed to support train operations at speeds of up to 200 kmph.

According to the government, the project will significantly improve connectivity between Ahmedabad, the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.

Officials stated that the new corridor will reduce travel time between Sarkhej and Dholera to nearly 34 minutes, making same-day return travel and daily commuting more convenient for passengers.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the rail project forms an important part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and is expected to accelerate economic and industrial development across the region.

The railway line will have a design speed of 220 kmph and an operational speed of 200 kmph, making it the first broad-gauge semi-high-speed corridor developed with indigenous technology by Indian Railways.

The proposed line is expected to be completed within four years and will integrate the Dholera Special Investment Region with the larger railway network through Sarkhej near Ahmedabad.

A doubling railway line between Ahmedabad and Sarkhej is already under construction, which will serve as a direct connection to the new corridor and enhance overall passenger mobility.

The government said the project will improve connectivity for nearly 284 villages with a combined population of around five lakh people.

Apart from transportation benefits, officials highlighted the environmental advantages of the railway corridor. As an energy-efficient mode of transport, the project is expected to help reduce logistics costs, lower dependence on oil imports by nearly 0.48 crore litres, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 2 crore kilograms.

The reduction in emissions is estimated to be equivalent to planting nearly 10 lakh trees, supporting India’s broader climate and sustainability goals.