Union Cabinet clears Ahmedabad Metro extension to airport

Ahmedabad: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Phase 2(A) of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail project — an extension running from Koteshwar to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The project cost is estimated to be Rs 2,169 crore.The corridor will have five stations: Ashram Road (Motera), Koteshwar Prachin Mandir, Sabarmati River, Sardarnagar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Four of these will be elevated, and one underground.The line will provide a direct rail link between the city and the airport for the first time, connecting it also to railway stations and commercial hubs along the route.The extension takes the combined Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro network to 77.6km.Officials said the new corridor is expected to ease congestion on key arterial roads leading to the airport and reduce travel times across the city’s northern stretches — areas that currently lack high-capacity public transit.The project also carries weight ahead of two forthcoming international events: the World Police Games 2029 and the Commonwealth Games 2030, both of which will require reliable airport connectivity at scale.Beyond mobility, officials project wider economic benefits — improved access to underserved residential and commercial areas, stimulus to local businesses, and support for tourism.The project is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs during peak construction and around 500 positions in operation and maintenance.