BackECONOMY
Ahmedabad to Dholera in 48 minutes: Cabinet approves semi high-speed double-line project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the ₹20,667 crore Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project, a 134-km rail line using indigenous technology. Railways said the new line will reduce travel time to 48 minutes between Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) and Dholera and will connect Ahmedabad with Dholera SIR, the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the Lothal NHMC. The project aims to enable daily commuting and same-day return trips, serving as a pioneer model for semi-high-speed rail expansion in India.
Why It Matters
This project could pioneer semi-high-speed rail in India and serve as a reference for future expansions under PM-Gati Shakti, potentially boosting regional connectivity, employment, and economic development.
Timeline
1 Event
CCEA approves Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project
May 13, 2026
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the ₹20,667 crore Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project, a 134-km rail line featuring indigenous technology. The Railways Ministry stated on X that the line will cut travel time to 48 minutes between Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) and Dholera and will provide direct connectivity to Dholera SIR, the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. The project is expected to enable faster daily commuting and same-day return trips, and to serve as a pioneer model for phased expansion of semi-high-speed rail across the country under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It will increase the existing network by about 134 km and benefit around 284 villages with a population of about 5 lakhs, while delivering environmental and energy benefits such as reduced oil imports (0.48 crore litres) and lower CO2 emissions (2 crore kg), equivalent to plantations of 10 lakh trees.