AHMEDABAD: The eagerly anticipated Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro is set to commence operations by the end of July, contingent upon the final approvals from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) announced that the CMRS began a comprehensive three-day inspection of the Ahmedabad Metro Phase II corridor on Wednesday.
Metro officials indicated that the inspection process typically involves a thorough review, followed by remarks, compliance checks, and final permissions. This procedure generally takes about a month, setting the stage for the metro’s operational debut by late July. Phase II of the metro project has been in trial runs since February. This phase will connect Motera to Gandhinagar Sector I (Indroda Circle) and Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Officials project the complete stretch up to Mahatma Mandir to be operational by the end of the year. One of the significant engineering accomplishments of this phase includes the bridges over the Narmada Canal and the Sabarmati River, which have undergone rigorous testing. The 303-metre-long Narmada Canal extradosed bridge employs cable-stay technology, while the 960-metre-long Sabarmati bridge uses box girders to connect Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad to GIFT City.
The upcoming segment from Sector-I to Mahatma Mandir, expected to be operational by year-end, will feature six new stations: Sector 10-A, Sachivalaya, Akshardham, Old Sachivalaya, Sector 16, and Mahatma Mandir. The current operational stretch between Motera and Sector-I includes 13 stations, such as Vishwakarma College, Koba Circle, Gujarat National Law University, Info City, and GIFT City. The GMRC’s strategic expansion aligns with its broader vision to enhance urban mobility and connectivity in the region. The integration of cutting-edge infrastructure, such as the cable-stayed Narmada Canal bridge and the box girder Sabarmati bridge, exemplifies the project’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions.
The metro project not only promises to alleviate traffic congestion but also aims to provide a sustainable and efficient transit alternative for the burgeoning urban population. The GMRC’s meticulous planning and execution reflect the state’s progressive approach to infrastructure development, positioning the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro as a pivotal component of Gujarat’s urban transformation. As the final inspection phase concludes, stakeholders and residents eagerly await the operational launch of the metro. The anticipated commencement of services marks a significant milestone in the region’s transportation landscape, promising enhanced connectivity and commuter convenience. The successful implementation of the project is poised to set a benchmark for future metro projects across the country. This development underscores the critical role of advanced urban transit systems in fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for city dwellers. The Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro is poised to become a linchpin in the region’s transport network, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
