Image Courtesy: Partha Sarkar
New Delhi, May 13, 2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera semi-high-speed double line railway project, marking a major step in India’s next-generation rail infrastructure push.
📍 India’s First Indigenous Semi-High-Speed Rail Project
The ₹20,667 crore project will be the first semi-high-speed railway developed using indigenous technology under Indian Railways, setting a benchmark for future rail expansions across the country.
🔗 Key Connectivity Boost
The new rail corridor will connect:
- Ahmedabad
- Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR)
- Upcoming Dholera Airport
- Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC)
This will significantly enhance regional connectivity and economic activity.
⏱️ Travel Time to Reduce, Daily Commute to Improve
The semi-high-speed line will:
- Reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera
- Enable same-day return travel
- Improve comfort for daily commuters
It is expected to benefit not just local residents but also people from surrounding regions.
🌍 Boost to Villages & Regional Development
- Rail network to expand by 134 km
- 284 villages to get improved connectivity
- Around 5 lakh people expected to benefit
The project aims to drive employment, mobility, and regional development, aligning with the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
🛤️ Aligned with PM Gati Shakti Plan
The project is being developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on:
- Multi-modal connectivity
- Logistics efficiency
- Integrated infrastructure planning
🌱 Environmental & Economic Benefits
- Reduction of 0.48 crore litres of oil imports
- Cut in 2 crore kg CO₂ emissions
- Equivalent to planting 10 lakh trees
The railway project is expected to lower logistics costs while supporting India’s climate goals.
