Ahmedabad: The Sarkhej-Dholera semi-high-speed double rail line has moved a major step closer to reality, with Western Railway inviting bids for the Rs 18,901.68-crore engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project.The project is expected to be operational by 2030, with construction likely to begin early next year and the work targeted for completion within 42 months after the final contract is awarded.Earlier, a pre-bid meeting was held with interested parties and railway officials. More than 20 firms participated. The final tender is likely to be awarded by the end of this year, said officials.The double-track semi-high-speed line will connect Sarkhej in Ahmedabad with Dholera, creating a faster rail link between the city and one of Gujarat’s most important emerging industrial and investment hubs. The project will also include spur connectivity to the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex and the upcoming Dholera International Airport. Sources said that the new line will be parallel to the expressway.The planned infrastructure includes 11 stations, including the international airport and Lothal, three major bridges, viaducts, 39 road under bridges (RUBs) and two rail-over-rail bridges, officials said.The line is also expected to integrate with the Ahmedabad metro network, with connectivity planned towards the metro corridor from Shilaj.In Aug, Public Investment Board (PIB) approved Metro’s III expansion of the proposed Thaltej Gam-Sanathal corridor up to Badrabad. The extension, officials said, aligns with the state’s plans to bring the metro corridor closer to Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway. The corridor will originate from Shilaj Canal Road area and run parallel to Sardar Patel Ring Road, passing through Bopal Crossroads, Shantipura Crossroads, and touching Badrabad.Faster and more reliable connectivity is expected to benefit workers commuting to Dholera SIR, businesses operating in the industrial region and logistics movement associated with the upcoming manufacturing and infrastructure projects.The link is likely to become particularly significant once Dholera International Airport becomes operational. Similarly, the Lothal spur could improve access to the National Maritime Heritage Complex and strengthen tourism connectivity.Sources said that if the timeline remains on track, the Sarkhej-Dholera semi-high-speed corridor could begin operations by 2030.
