Cabinet approves ₹20,667 crore for semi high-speed rail project connecting Ahmedabad-Dholera

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) approved a semi high-speed double line rail project linking Sarkhej in Ahmedabad to Dholera, which lies about 100 km away, for a total cost of approximately ₹20,667 crore. 

“It will be Indian Railways’ first semi high-speed project, planned with indigenously developed technology,” the Railways Ministry said in a statement. It will serve as a pioneer initiative, acting as a reference model for the phased expansion of semi high-speed rail across the country, Railway officials said. 

The project will facilitate faster travel between Ahmedabad, the Dholera special investment region (SIR), the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the (NHMC). It will also enhance connectivity to 284 villages, with a total population of about 5 lakh, and expand the existing network of Indian Railways by about 134 km.

Easing daily commutes

“Connecting Ahmedabad with Dholera will cut down passenger travel time, enabling comfortable daily commuting and same‑day return trips. This semi high-speed railway would not only bring two cities closer but also bring the people living hundreds of kilometres away, closer to each other,” the statement said.

This is part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistical efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. Such projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services, the statement added.