Among four major decisions taken on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved India’s first semi high-speed rail corridor (134 km) on broad gauge using indigenous technology under Namo Bharat Train operations.
The Cabinet has approved the Sarkhej–Dholera semi high-speed double-line rail corridor, marking India’s first semi high-speed rail corridor spanning 134 km on broad gauge using indigenous technology under Namo Bharat Train operations. The project will connect Dholera SIR with Ahmedabad (Sabarmati), Dholera Airport, and Lothal NHMC. The estimated outlay for the project is Rs 20,667 crore.
The corridor is designed for a maximum speed of 220 kmph, while trains will operate at 200 kmph. A total of 13 stations will be developed along the route, and the project is expected to be completed within four years. There are also future plans to extend the corridor to Bhavnagar.
Approved under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project will span around 108 kilometres in Gujarat and is aimed at enhancing connectivity to the Dholera Special Investment Region, emerging as a key industrial and manufacturing centre.
The government stated that the rail line will facilitate both freight and passenger transportation, enhance logistics operations, and ensure quicker connectivity to ports and industrial hubs in the region.
The project is also likely to create significant employment opportunities during construction and boost economic growth across the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor area.
The rail corridor is being planned for semi high-speed operations and is expected to considerably cut travel time while also boosting future industrial growth in Gujarat.
