As Ahmedabad throws its hat in the ring for the 2036 Olympic Games, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has unveiled ambitious expansion plans designed to seamlessly integrate with the city’s proposed Olympic infrastructure.
This strategic network extension aims to bolster Ahmedabad’s bid and position it as a well-connected and future-ready metropolis. The cornerstone of the expansion plan hinges on connecting Thaltej to Manipur and Shilaj to Motera. The east-west corridor’s current terminus at Thaltej Gaam will be extended eastward towards Manipur via Shilaj Char Rasta. This eastward thrust aligns with the government’s plan to establish crucial infrastructure near Manipur, a potential location for the Olympic village.
Complementing the eastwards expansion, a new branch line will snake northwards from the Shilaj crossroads on the SP Ring Road. This line, traversing via Vaishnodevi and Chandkheda, will culminate at Motera, the envisaged location for the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. The Thaltej Gaam to Shilaj section is particularly noteworthy. This stretch is proposed to run parallel to the existing railway line, eventually extending further east to Manipur. This strategic alignment will not only enhance connectivity but also service the burgeoning real estate developments in Bopal, Shela, and Ghuma.
Significantly, sources within the state government have indicated that this proposed metro expansion will be synergistically bundled with the ongoing Olympic bid projects. This financial consolidation is expected to expedite the project’s funding and ensure timely completion. Furthermore, with an eye on Ahmedabad’s burgeoning sprawl, the GMRC is also contemplating extending the metro network to the city’s eastern and southern peripheries.
While the Thaltej-Manipur and Shilaj-Motera corridors are being prioritised to support the Olympic bid, residents in western Ahmedabad’s pockets like Satellite, Prahladnagar, and Sarkhej will not be left behind. A well-structured “feeder bus” network is being planned to ferry passengers from these western pockets to key metro junctions like Thaltej, Manipur, and Shilaj. This will ensure seamless connectivity for residents across the entire city, including those residing in far-flung areas. Presently, studies are underway to assess the anticipated passenger volume upon completion of the Phase-I expansion within Ahmedabad city. Additionally, feasibility studies are being conducted to determine the viability of extending the metro network into the eastern fringes and other outlying areas. The Ahmedabad Metro’s expansion plans signify a strategic move that transcends mere infrastructure development. By aligning itself with the city’s Olympic aspirations, the GMRC is fostering a vision of a well-connected, future-proof Ahmedabad, poised to compete on the international stage.
