Ahmedabad to unveil ₹5477 crore rail, road, housing projects
Ahmedabad and its neighbouring regions are set for a transformative phase of infrastructure and civic development as projects worth more than Rs 5,477 crore are being rolled out over a two-day official visit. The initiatives, spanning railways, housing, roads, water supply, and urban services, reflect a vision of modernising Gujarat’s urban centres while addressing long-pending civic challenges.
A highlight of the programme is the strengthening of regional rail connectivity. A new passenger train linking Sabarmati to Katosan will be introduced alongside the launch of a freight train, enhancing both commuter convenience and logistics efficiency. The long-awaited doubling of the 65-kilometre Mahesana–Palanpur line is also being inaugurated, a move expected to decongest passenger routes and allow smoother freight operations. Simultaneously, the 40-kilometre Becharaji–Ranuja gauge conversion will further support smoother regional travel. An underpass project near Sokhli on the Ahmedabad–Rajkot route, valued at Rs 70 crore, adds another layer of connectivity.
Urban infrastructure remains central to the announcements. In Ahmedabad, drainage and stormwater management works worth Rs 110 crore will begin in localities that frequently face monsoon flooding. Complementing this are Rs 50 crore worth of new water distribution centres in Chandkheda and Naranpura, designed to ensure reliable and equitable water access. Electricity reliability will also be reinforced through a new 66 kV power substation Chandkheda.Affordable housing finds a strong place in the plan, with 1,449 new residential units being inaugurated, creating opportunities for citizens from lower and middle-income groups.
Experts point out that this step not only addresses shelter gaps but also aligns with sustainable urbanisation goals by providing compact, well-serviced living spaces.On the mobility front, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority is pushing major upgrades with road expansion projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore. Key arterial roads will be widened into six-lane highways, aiming to reduce traffic snarls and ensure faster intra-city movement. Officials believe these measures will enhance regional logistics, reduce fuel wastage, and bring measurable environmental benefits.
Neighbouring districts, including Gandhinagar and Mehsana, are also part of the development package with railway upgrades, civic office modernisation, and essential utility projects. The emphasis on spreading investment across districts indicates a strategic intent towards balanced regional growth rather than urban concentration alone. Public engagement remains central to the city’s preparations, with civic bodies enhancing cultural spaces, illumination, and citizen outreach. Experts suggest that these large-scale civic events serve not just as political showcases but also as opportunities to highlight the changing face of urban Gujarat.As Gujarat’s cities prepare for these infrastructure rollouts, the momentum could mark a decisive shift towards sustainable and resilient growth, ensuring that mobility, housing, and utilities evolve to match the state’s expanding economic aspirations.
