Gandhinagar: In a major push toward expanding the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar Metro Rail services, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has issued a notice inviting tenders for detailed design consultancy services aimed at developing Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project.

The project focuses on two key corridors — one connecting Koteshwar Road to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) International Airport and another extending into the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

The tender seeks experienced consultants to handle the design of elevated viaducts, stations, and transition spans. Phase 2A covers the corridor from Koteshwar Road Metro Station (excluding the station itself) to the SVP Airport dead end, including four elevated stations and associated viaduct portions. Phase 2B involves an extension from the GIFT City Metro Station dead end, featuring three elevated stations and similar infrastructure. The entire consultancy work will be carried out at a cost of ₹15.55 crore over a period of 48 months.

According to reports, construction for both new routes will commence at the beginning of the 2026–27 financial year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Phase 2A: Koteshwar Road to Airport

Under Phase 2A, a 6-kilometre stretch connecting Koteshwar Road to the Airport will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹1,800 crore.

Track Design: The metro line will be elevated from Koteshwar Road to Taj Circle via Hansol, while the stretch from Taj Circle to the Airport will be underground.

Stations: The route is likely to have four elevated stations, and the Airport Station will allow passengers to directly access the terminal via lifts and escalators.

Phase 2B: Internal Connectivity in GIFT City

Phase 2B focuses on improving intra-city connectivity within GIFT City, where metro operations have already reached the city gate.

Route and Cost: In the proposed 10-kilometre alignment, work on the first 3.3-kilometre stretch will be undertaken initially, with an estimated expenditure of ₹900 crore.

Benefits: The route will include three elevated stations and will connect the internal financial and residential zones of GIFT City, providing significant convenience to thousands of employees and students commuting daily.

Meanwhile, work on the main Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2 corridor from Motera to Mahatma Mandir is running behind schedule. Currently, metro operations extend up to the Sachivalaya station, while trial runs are underway on the remaining 5.5 kilometres. Once operational, this route will include five more stations — Akshardham, Old Secretariat, Sector-16, Sector-24, and Mahatma Mandir, which will be the final stop on the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar Metro Phase-2 route.

Initially slated for completion by March 2024, the project is now expected to be opened to the public by December this year. DeshGujarat