The Ahmedabad-Dholera Rail Project was approved by the Government of India on 13 May 2026. The new semi high-speed double railway line will be built in Gujarat with an estimated cost of around ₹20,667 crore. The project will add nearly 134 km of rail line and is considered India’s first semi high-speed rail corridor developed with indigenous technology.

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Ahmedabad-Dholera Rail Project Route

The Ahmedabad-Dholera Rail Project will connect important locations such as Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. The railway corridor is expected to improve transportation and support industrial growth in Gujarat.

The project will strengthen connectivity between urban, industrial, and heritage locations. It is also expected to help businesses, tourism, and local travel in the region.

Semi High-Speed Rail Features

The rail corridor is designed for trains running at a speed of 220 kmph, while regular operations are expected at 200 kmph. After completion, travel time between Sabarmati and Dholera may reduce to only 48 minutes.

The project target is set for completion by 2030–31. This modern rail system is expected to provide faster and more comfortable travel for passengers.

PM Gati Shakti and Indigenous Technology

The Ahmedabad-Dholera Rail Project is linked with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This national plan focuses on better multimodal connectivity and faster infrastructure development across India.

The project also highlights India’s growing strength in indigenous railway technology. India has already introduced the Vande Bharat Express, a modern semi high-speed train developed within the country.

Link with Vande Bharat Express

India’s Vande Bharat Express is an important part of the country’s semi high-speed rail network. The sleeper version prototype of Vande Bharat was rolled out by BEML in September 2024, while commercial operations started in January 2026.

The Ahmedabad-Dholera Rail Project is expected to support the expansion of advanced railway technology and improve future rail services in India.

Dholera and Lothal Importance

Dholera Special Investment Region is one of India’s planned industrial smart city projects located in Gujarat. It is expected to become a major manufacturing and investment hub in the future.

Lothal, another important location connected by the project, is a famous Harappan archaeological site known for maritime history. The National Maritime Heritage Complex being developed there will attract tourists and researchers.