Gandhinagar: The expansion of the Ahmedabad Metro network has moved a major step forward with the Public Investment Board (PIB) approving the proposed extension from Thaltej Gaam to Badrabad. The project is expected to significantly expand mass-transit connectivity across Ahmedabad’s rapidly developing peripheral areas.
The proposed corridor will begin around Shela/Shilaj Canal Road and run broadly parallel to the Sardar Patel Ring Road, passing through important locations including Bopal Cross Road and Shantipura Cross Road before reaching Badrabad.
The expansion is designed to connect residential, commercial, educational and transport hubs with a wider metro network while strengthening public transport around the Ring Road corridor.
41 Elevated Stations Planned
According to the project plan, the expansion will include 41 elevated metro stations. Major areas and existing network connections associated with the broader expansion include Gujarat University, IIM-Ahmedabad, Old High Court, Paldi, Kalupur Railway Station, Apparel Park, Vastral and Gyaspur Depot.
The Thaltej Gaam area is also planned to be connected toward the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena at Godhavi, creating stronger links between western Ahmedabad and emerging urban zones.
Preparatory work is already progressing. Consultants have been appointed for detailed design, while geotechnical investigations, utility mapping and utility-diversion planning are underway. Tenders for utility diversion have also been initiated.
Future Link to Dholera Airport
The Ahmedabad Metro expansion could eventually extend beyond Badrabad toward the proposed Dholera International Airport. A future corridor of around 60 kilometres has been proposed, subject to further approval by the Union Government.
If approved and implemented, the extension could create a major public-transport connection between Ahmedabad and the Dholera region, providing an alternative to road-based travel and supporting the development of the emerging economic zone.
Ahmedabad Set for Its First Metro Loop
Another significant component of the city's metro expansion is the proposed Wadaj-linked circular corridor, which is expected to create Ahmedabad’s first metro loop.
The loop is planned to connect areas around the S.P. Ring Road and S.G. Highway with other important parts of the metropolitan region. Together with the wider Phase III expansion, the network could provide more direct travel options between Ahmedabad’s western, southwestern, northern and eastern zones.
Urban planners expect the expanded network to improve public transport capacity and potentially reduce dependence on private vehicles on some of the city's busiest roads.
For a rapidly expanding Ahmedabad, the proposed metro extensions represent a major investment in long-term urban mobility, with the focus shifting toward connecting established city centres with emerging residential, commercial and infrastructure corridors.
