Ahmedabad: A series of large-scale railway infrastructure projects are underway to significantly strengthen rail connectivity around Ahmedabad and across Gujarat, with a focus on capacity expansion, faster travel, and modern facilities.

To ease congestion and cater to future demand, a new railway line is proposed to pass through Sanand, Sarkhej, Barejdi and extend up to Vatva. In addition, survey work has been completed for laying fourth railway lines on key high-density corridors, including Ahmedabad–Palanpur, Ahmedabad–Surat, Ahmedabad–Samakhyali, Palanpur–Samakhyali and Mehsana–Patan routes.

According to railway officials, the number of trains originating from Ahmedabad is expected to increase nearly threefold over the next two to three years. As part of this expansion, new maintenance and stabling facilities for Vande Bharat trains are being planned, including a major depot at Sabarmati.

The projects will be executed in two phases. As per the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), a mega railway depot is being developed at Vatwa, featuring 10 pit lines and 20 stabling lines. Once operational, the Vatwa depot is expected to handle more than 150 train movements daily, significantly enhancing operational efficiency in the region.

In another key development, a new Gopalpur railway station will be constructed for trains running from Gandhinagar to Bhuj. This new alignment is expected to reduce travel time by nearly one hour, offering faster and more convenient journeys for passengers.

Several other important railway projects are also progressing across the state, including Taranga Hill–Abu Road, Dahod–Indore, Nana Idar–Dhar, Bhimnath–Dholera Logistic Hub, Miyagam–Samalaya gauge conversion, Modasa–Shamlaji, Khijadia–Amreli, Samalaya–Timba–Nadiad–Petlad, Petlad–Bhadran and Miyagam–Malasar. In total, 22 railway projects are currently underway or approved.

Modernisation efforts are also gaining pace. Out of 87 railway stations in Gujarat, 18 stations have already been upgraded with improved passenger amenities. To enhance safety and eliminate level crossings, 378 road overbridges are being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.

Overall, railway works worth Rs 1.28 lakh crore are currently in progress across Gujarat, including flagship projects such as the Bullet Train and the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). Meanwhile, the elevated road project at Ahmedabad railway station has achieved nearly 65 per cent completion, marking another step toward easing urban traffic congestion.

These initiatives are expected to transform Gujarat’s railway infrastructure, improving connectivity, safety and travel experience while supporting the state’s growing economic and industrial needs. DeshGujarat