Gandhinagar: Gujarat’s infrastructure sector recorded several significant achievements in January 2026, including seamless expressway connectivity between Ahmedabad and Surat and the expansion of metro rail services. With multiple announcements and inaugurations across the transport, energy, and healthcare sectors, the state has made a strong start to the new year, expected to accelerate economic growth in the coming years.

High-Speed Rail and Metro Milestones

In a major announcement early in the month, the Union Railway Minister confirmed that India’s first bullet train is scheduled to begin operations by August 15 next year, with initial runs expected on the Surat–Bilimora stretch. The project is entering a high-pace construction phase ahead of the 2027 state elections.

Expressway Network and Road Upgrades

A primary highlight of the month was the opening of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway’s Gujarat leg, creating a seamless, high-speed link between Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Navsari. This new concrete corridor provides a critical alternative to the heavily burdened NH 48, which frequently faces congestion during the monsoon season.

Further road developments include:

• Expansion Proposals: The state has proposed widening the existing Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway to eight lanes to accommodate rising traffic.
• New Tendering: Following a High Court order, the contractor for the Gandeva–Valsad expressway stretch was removed due to slow progress. A fresh tender has been issued with a goal to complete the link likely before the 2027 elections.
• Connectivity: The Dholera Expressway, though unofficially open, has already reduced travel time from Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar to approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, while also improving access to Diu and Sarangpur.

Transport and Metro Rail

With the completion of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar Metro, services have now commenced between the Secretariat and Mahatma Mandir. Following this expansion, daily ridership has reached approximately 1.5 lakh passengers.

In Surat, trial runs on the first 8 km stretch of the metro rail project are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) has set a target to convert its entire fleet into electric AC buses by 2030.

Ahmedabad also saw the introduction of its first LNG-powered train, specifically targeting the Ahmedabad–Mehsana route. The existing DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) trains on this line are being converted to utilise Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This transition provides several key benefits, including the requirement for less frequent refuelling compared to diesel engines, enabling trains to travel significantly longer distances on a single tank. Additionally, these LNG-powered trains are more environmentally friendly and offer lower operational costs than their diesel counterparts.

Green Energy and Industrial Development

Gujarat continues to position itself as a hub for sustainable technology. Sources report the announcement of India’s first port-based 5 MW green hydrogen plant at Kandla Port. In the biofuel sector, the Banas–Suzuki biogas project in Banaskantha is now operational, converting 100 tonnes of daily dung into Bio-CBG, which is being sold at rates cheaper than traditional CNG.

In Sanand, the foundation stone was laid for Azista Space’s electro-optical payload factory, signalling the emergence of a private-sector space engineering ecosystem in the state. Additionally, the state approved massive investments in the chemical, agro, and mineral sectors under the Atmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme 2022.

Healthcare and Public Services

Medical infrastructure received a major boost with the announcement of a ₹13,000 crore International Medicity near Kalol. The private sector followed suit, with the Torrent Group announcing a 500-bed multi-specialty hospital in Ahmedabad (₹750 crore) and Zydus expanding its footprint in Vadodara.

In urban services, the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) presented a ₹991 crore budget with a target to transition to a 100% electric AC bus fleet by 2030. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation also committed to building a fire station every 10 km and recruiting 200 additional personnel.

In sports infrastructure, with an eye on the Olympics, the process for environmental clearance has begun for the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave near Narendra Modi Stadium.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite the progress, several projects have faced challenges and controversies. Ahmedabad’s ambitious Kharicut Canal Road project has stalled over issues related to water allocation for farmers.

Similarly, protests have emerged from local farmers against the proposed airport near Dwarka and the laying of power transmission lines in Kutch–Saurashtra, mainly over compensation and land acquisition concerns.

The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) continues to remain largely unoccupied, raising concerns about its viability. However, there is renewed hope that traders will begin shifting by February 18. DeshGujarat