AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad Metro’s proposed Phase III expansion is moving beyond approvals and into physical preparation, with Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) initiating pre-construction activity including utility shifting along key stretches of the corridor.Four utility-shifting packages worth Rs 35.81 crore are among the first visible steps towards clearing the alignment for the next phase of construction.The utility-shifting work covers critical urban services, including water, electricity, gas, sewerage and telecom. The exercise is significant as these services need to be relocated or protected before the main civil construction can begin.The Phase III expansion, covering the proposed Thaltej Gam-Sanathal corridor up to Badrabad, has received clearance from the Public Investment Board (PIB), bringing the project closer to implementation.The proposal will now be placed before the Union Cabinet for final approval.GMRC has already initiated pre-construction activities to fast-track execution. Construction will begin after Centre’s approval and completion of statutory procedures, land-related formalities and tendering.The proposed 60-km expansion will create the foundation for future metro connectivity towards the upcoming Dholera international airport.Officials said the extension will bring the metro corridor closer to the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway and align with the state’s long-term transport plans.The corridor will originate from the Shilaj Canal Road area and run parallel to Sardar Patel Ring Road, passing through Bopal Crossroads and Shantipura Crossroads before touching Badrabad.The alignment will also connect Thaltej Gam with the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA) at Godhavi, passing through the rapidly developing canal road belt near Shilaj Crossroads. From there, it will run parallel to the railway line before reaching SWASA.The proposed Phase III network will have 41 elevated stations and is designed to improve connectivity to emerging residential, commercial and institutional hubs while integrating with Ahmedabad’s existing metro system through multiple interchange stations.The Thaltej-Godhavi corridor is also expected to provide direct metro connectivity to SWASA, one of Gujarat’s flagship sports infrastructure projects planned as the state prepares to host major international sporting events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games.PIB has also approved the circular corridor from Vadaj, which will create Ahmedabad’s first loop metro route across the western, eastern and southern parts of the city.The circular corridor will pass through Akhbarnagar, Naranpura, Shivranjani, Shyamal Crossroads, Jivraj Park, APMC, Pirana Crossroads, Cozy Hotel, Isanpur, Amraiwadi, Rakhial Road, Saijpur Bogha, Kalapinagar, Girdharnagar and Dudheshwar before returning to Vadaj.Officials said the circular alignment has been planned to intersect the existing metro network at multiple locations, allowing passengers to travel between different parts of the city without passing through the central business district. The proposed design is expected to reduce travel time and ease congestion.Major interchange stations have been proposed at Gujarat University, APMC, Amraiwadi and Vadaj, enabling transfers between the existing East-West and North-South metro corridors and the new Phase III network.With utility shifting now forming part of the pre-construction exercise, the next phase of Ahmedabad Metro is moving closer to the stage where the physical groundwork for the expansion can begin.
