The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved Phase 2(A) of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project — a new 6.032 km corridor with five stations at a total completion cost of ₹2,169.04 crore, including interest during construction. The corridor will connect key urban nodes and, critically, extend the metro network directly to Ahmedabad Airport.

Corridor Layout and Stations

Of the five stations on the Phase 2(A) alignment, four will be elevated and one underground. The stations are named Ashram Road, Koteshwar Prachin Mandir, Sabarmati River, Sardar Nagar, and Airport. The corridor is designed to bridge residential and commercial zones that currently lack efficient public transit access, according to the official Cabinet communiqué.

Network Expands to 77.63 km

Once Phase 2(A) is operationalised, the combined Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro rail network will stretch to 77.63 km — making it one of the more extensive urban rail grids in western India. The expansion builds on existing phases already in service and is positioned as a long-term urban mobility investment for the twin-city region.

Airport Link and Broader Urban Impact

The airport connectivity component is expected to reduce road congestion on one of Ahmedabad's busiest arterial stretches. The Cabinet statement noted that the extension will cut travel time, improve road safety, and lower carbon emissions as more commuters shift from private vehicles to metro. Notably, the government also flagged a likelihood of sports infrastructure being developed nearby in connection with the World Police Games 2029 and the Commonwealth Games 2030 — events that could significantly amplify footfall on this corridor.

Jobs and Economic Spillover

Phase 2(A) is projected to generate employment for approximately 2,000 persons during peak construction activity, with around 500 permanent positions expected during operations and maintenance. The Cabinet communiqué also cited potential economic stimulus for businesses near new stations, particularly in areas that have historically been less accessible to metro infrastructure. Enhanced connectivity to the airport, railway stations, and bus depots is expected to improve workforce productivity across the city.

What Comes Next

With Cabinet clearance secured, the project now moves toward detailed execution planning and tendering. The corridor's alignment through commercially significant zones, combined with its proximity to upcoming international sporting venues, positions Phase 2(A) as a high-priority infrastructure delivery ahead of 2029-30.