Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,067 Crore Metro Extension to GIFT City
Synopsis
The Union Cabinet has officially approved the ₹1,067.35 crore extension of the Ahmedabad Metro, enhancing connectivity to GIFT City. This project is set to benefit thousands of commuters and create significant job opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Project Budget: ₹1,067.35 crore Length: 3.33 kilometers Projected Passenger Capacity: 23,702 by 2029, 58,059 by 2041 Job Creation: 1,000 jobs during construction Daily Ridership: Approximately 160,000
New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the expansion of the existing North-South corridor of the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC) in Ahmedabad. This extension will connect GIFT City to the Shahpur area, with a budget allocation of Rs 1,067.35 crore.
Spanning approximately 3.33 kilometers and featuring three elevated stations, the project is projected to be completed within four years, as per the Cabinet announcement.
GMRC, a joint venture equally shared between the Centre and the Gujarat government, will execute the project.
By 2029, it is anticipated that the extended corridor will serve around 23,702 passengers, and this number is expected to rise to 58,059 passengers by 2041, according to the official statement.
The initiative is also expected to create about 1,000 jobs during the construction phase, with an additional 250 jobs for operations and maintenance once the project is completed.
As noted in the Cabinet statement, "This project will yield a considerable number of direct employment opportunities, as indicated earlier. Furthermore, related activities will likely foster indirect employment opportunities for a larger segment of the population."
The Ahmedabad Metro Phase-I, which includes the North-South Corridor from APMC to Motera Stadium and the East-West Corridor from Thaltej Gam to Vastral Gam, along with Phase-II (Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir & GNLU to GIFT City), comprises a total of 53 stations and has been operational since September 2022 (Phase-I) and January 2026 (Phase-II).
This metro line currently accommodates a daily ridership of approximately 160,000 individuals.
The newly extended corridor will significantly enhance connectivity between Ahmedabad and the GIFT region.
Key multinational corporations, educational establishments, and commercial centers situated along the proposed route stand to gain considerable advantages.
This extension will also cater to the daily commuting needs of individuals traveling between Ahmedabad and the GIFT region for purposes related to business, employment, and education.
In a related note, trading activities in GIFT Nifty reached a new peak on February 22, recording an unprecedented single-day trading volume of 457,989 contracts, with a turnover of $23.48 billion, equivalent to approximately Rs 2.13 lakh crore.
Point of View
This metro extension represents a significant development in public transportation, enhancing connectivity for businesses and residents between Ahmedabad and GIFT City. It promises to alleviate congestion and foster economic growth while creating numerous job opportunities.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget for the Ahmedabad Metro extension?
The budget for the extension is ₹1,067.35 crore.
How long is the new metro corridor?
The new corridor is approximately 3.33 kilometers long.
How many passengers is the project expected to serve?
It is expected to serve about 23,702 passengers by 2029 and 58,059 by 2041.
Who will implement the project?
The project will be implemented by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC).
What is the expected job creation from this project?
The project is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs during construction and 250 jobs post-construction.
