Cabinet Approves Ahmedabad Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project

15 May 2026 CW Team

The section will provide faster connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. Linking Ahmedabad with Dholera is expected to cut passenger travel time and enable comfortable daily commuting with same-day return trips. The rail link is intended to bring cities and distant communities closer by improving accessibility for workers, visitors and businesses.

The project is presented as a pioneer reference model for phased expansion of semi high-speed rail across the country. It is planned under the PM?Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. Authorities state the new line will improve mobility, increase service reliability and provide direct connectivity for passengers and freight.

The scheme covering Ahmedabad district will increase the existing Indian Railways network by about 134 km and extend connectivity to approximately 284 villages. Those villages are reported to have a combined population of about 0.5 mn. The rail option, being energy efficient, is projected to reduce oil import by 4.8 mn litres and lower CO2 emissions by 20 mn kg, a benefit equated with the plantation of 1 mn trees.

Planners indicate the project will support regional development and enhance employment and self?employment opportunities in the area, contributing to the Prime Minister's vision of a New India and greater self?reliance. The line is designed to provide improved freight and passenger movement and reduce logistics costs through seamless connectivity of people, goods and services. Implementation will follow integrated stakeholder consultations and phased execution as part of broader national infrastructure objectives.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera semi high-speed double line project under the Ministry of Railways. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 206.67 bn and is scheduled for completion by 2030-31. It will be Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project and is planned using indigenously developed technology. The section will provide faster connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex. Linking Ahmedabad with Dholera is expected to cut passenger travel time and enable comfortable daily commuting with same-day return trips. The rail link is intended to bring cities and distant communities closer by improving accessibility for workers, visitors and businesses. The project is presented as a pioneer reference model for phased expansion of semi high-speed rail across the country. It is planned under the PM?Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. Authorities state the new line will improve mobility, increase service reliability and provide direct connectivity for passengers and freight. The scheme covering Ahmedabad district will increase the existing Indian Railways network by about 134 km and extend connectivity to approximately 284 villages. Those villages are reported to have a combined population of about 0.5 mn. The rail option, being energy efficient, is projected to reduce oil import by 4.8 mn litres and lower CO2 emissions by 20 mn kg, a benefit equated with the plantation of 1 mn trees. Planners indicate the project will support regional development and enhance employment and self?employment opportunities in the area, contributing to the Prime Minister's vision of a New India and greater self?reliance. The line is designed to provide improved freight and passenger movement and reduce logistics costs through seamless connectivity of people, goods and services. Implementation will follow integrated stakeholder consultations and phased execution as part of broader national infrastructure objectives.

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..

Infrastructure Urban

15 May 2026

Goa Declares 80 Million Square Metres No Development Zone

The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..

Infrastructure Urban

15 May 2026

Micro Mitti To Invest Rs Three Billion In Indore Project

Micro Mitti has announced an investment of Rs three billion (Rs 3 bn) to develop a commercial project in Indore. The company said the allocation marks a significant commitment to the city's real estate sector and will target commercial space demand. The announcement follows the firm's stated strategy to expand its asset base outside its existing markets. Company executives outlined the plan in a corporate release and provided limited additional details. The commercial project is intended to serve office, retail and related uses in response to demand from businesses and consumers in the region...