Cabinet approves Rs 1,067 crore metro extension linking GIFT City and Shahpur

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the metro corridor from GIFT City to Shahpur under Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC), spanning 3.33 kilometres and featuring three elevated stations, government said on Tuesday.

With an estimated cost of Rs 1,067.35 crore, the project is slated for completion in approximately four years, the cabinet release stated. Once operational, the extended corridor is projected to serve around 23,702 passengers daily by 2029, rising to nearly 58,059 passengers by 2041.The extension is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity between Ahmedabad and the GIFT region. Several multinational companies, educational institutions and commercial centres situated along the proposed route are likely to benefit directly from improved access.The corridor would also ease daily commuting between Ahmedabad and GIFT City, catering to travel needs related to business, employment and education, it said. The move is expected to enhance overall network integration and improve passenger convenience.During the construction phase, the project is estimated to generate approximately 1,000 jobs. A further 250 people are expected to be employed in operations and maintenance after completion. In addition to these direct employment opportunities, the project is likely to create indirect jobs through allied activities.The extension will be implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC), a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.