The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved the proposed Phase Three expansion of the Ahmedabad Metro, clearing a key administrative hurdle for the project. The expansion will create a 60 km network and include a planned connection to Dholera International Airport, and the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) is overseeing development. Final approval from the Union Cabinet is required before civil construction may begin.

A principal element of Phase Three is a corridor from Thaltej Gam to Badrabad via Godhavi that will start at Shilaj Canal Road and follow the Sardar Patel Ring Road before reaching Badrabad near the Ahmedabad?Dholera Expressway. The Badrabad terminal has been proposed as a future interchange for extensions towards the Dholera Special Investment Region and the airport, intended to enhance connectivity in south west Ahmedabad. The plan will also integrate the new corridors with the existing East?West and North?South lines to provide additional interchange options.

The proposal foresees a circular corridor beginning and ending at Vadaj that will loop through western, eastern and southern parts of the city and call at key locations such as Akhbarnagar, Naranpura and Amraiwadi to offer alternatives to central city travel. Major interchanges are planned at Gujarat University, APMC, Amraiwadi and Vadaj to facilitate passenger movement without routing through the central business district. The expanded network is expected to include 41 elevated stations across the 60 km of new lines.

Preparatory work is under way as GMRC has engaged Detailed Design Consultants to finalise structural alignments and has begun geotechnical testing, utility diversion planning and tendering to reduce lead time before construction. A direct metro link to the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) at Godhavi is included to improve access to the developing complex and support potential events related to Gujarat's bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The PIB clearance marks a significant step while final cabinet approval will determine the course and timing of construction and future extensions towards Dholera.