Gandhinagar, March 11 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has officially ordered 34 new metro train sets for the metro rail initiatives in Ahmedabad and Surat. Officials indicate that this additional rolling stock will enhance service frequency along the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar corridor and assist in the urban rail expansion throughout the state.

Out of this total, 10 train sets are designated for the Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2 project, while 24 will be allocated for the forthcoming Surat Metro system.

These train sets are currently being produced at Titagarh's manufacturing facility in Kolkata.

According to officials, this procurement is part of a broader strategy to fortify public transport infrastructure in Gujarat. It is anticipated to bolster employment and skills development within the manufacturing industry, thereby minimizing reliance on imports.

The additional train sets for Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2 will operate on the existing 68.2-km metro network connecting Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

Currently, 32 train sets are actively in service on this corridor.

Officials assert that the incorporation of these 10 new train sets will significantly boost train frequency, lessen passenger waiting times, and enhance overall service capacity for commuters traveling between these two cities.

Metro services in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar were launched following plans established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister.

The Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-1 and Phase-2 have been executed under the current state administration, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with metro services now utilized by many commuters in both cities.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Surat Metro project is advancing on a 40.3-km network.

The state government has ordered 24 train sets for this system, which aims to cater to the growing population of Surat and provide an effective alternative to road transport once operational.

Officials report that expanding metro services forms part of a larger initiative to enhance urban mobility across Gujarat.

The state currently boasts approximately 108 km of operational metro rail network, projected to expand to around 190 km in the near future.

This proposed expansion includes a 6.04-km airport line aimed at improving connectivity.

Authorities are also evaluating proposals to implement metro rail services in other significant cities within the state, such as Rajkot and Vadodara, as part of ongoing endeavors to extend modern public transport systems to additional urban centers.

Officials have confirmed that the new metro systems will feature driverless technology designed to optimize operational efficiency and safety.

The train sets will be equipped with systems for real-time monitoring, automated braking, optimized speed control, and fault diagnostics.

Passenger safety features will incorporate CCTV surveillance, fire detection mechanisms, fail-safe door operations, and obstacle detection systems.

The state government is also pursuing various other transportation infrastructure projects, including a high-speed rail corridor traversing Gujarat and a locomotive manufacturing facility in Dahod, expected to produce 9,000 horsepower engines.

Officials emphasized that these initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to expand rail-based transport and modernize the state’s infrastructure.