India’s First Integrated Multi‑Modal Corridor
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is being developed as India’s first high-speed, integrated multi-modal corridor. This 109‑km greenfield expressway dedicates 90 m for vehicular traffic and reserves 30 m of median space for a future high-speed rapid rail (RRTS), allowing both bus and train operations along the same alignment. It’s a pioneering model for multimodal transport in the country.
🛣️ Project Snapshot: Route, Timeline & Finance
- Length & Route: The expressway begins at Sardar Patel Ring Road near Sarkhej, Ahmedabad, passing through Dholera SIR and ending near Adhelai, Bhavnagar district, with direct access to the future Dholera International Airport at Navagam.
- Dimensions & Cost: Designed as a 120‑meter wide corridor, the four-lane road (upgradable to 8 or 12 lanes) is being built at a cost between ₹4,200–₹4,373 crore.
- Completion Status: As of early 2025, nearly 80–91% work has been completed, with full operational readiness expected by May 2025.
⏱️ Travel Time & Capacity
- Travel Time: The corridor will shrink Ahmedabad–Dholera journey to just 40–45 minutes, compared to the current 2–2.5 hours.
- Speed & Usage: Designed for speeds up to 120 km/h, the road is built to handle ~25,000 vehicles daily in both directions.
🌿 Sustainable & Smart Engineering Features
- Eco-Construction: Over 35 lakh m³ of recycled urban waste and 1.7382 crore m³ of fly ash is being used in embankment construction. A green belt of nearly 97,000 trees and wildlife crossings are part of the ecological plan.
- Connectivity Upgrade: The corridor has eight major interchanges (Sarkhej, Sindhrej, Vejalaka, Pipli, Ambli, Adhelai), enhancing access across industrial zones, airport, and smart city sectors. Future-readiness includes RRTS integration.
🏙️ Strategic Benefits for Dholera Smart City
- Catalyzing Industrial Growth: The expressway enhances connectivity across Dholera’s industrial zones, promoting investment, logistics, and workforce mobility.
- Aligned Infrastructure Network: It complements upcoming assets like the Dholera Airport, freight rail, and expressway—creating a robust multimodal ecosystem for residents and industries.
✅ Summary
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is a game-changer: India’s first high-speed corridor that integrates road and rail, cutting travel time while shaping the region as a multimodal investment hub. With infrastructure nearing completion, ecological foresight, and seamless integration with smart-city planning, this expressway is set to unlock the full potential of Dholera Smart City and the broader DMIC—driving industrial growth, sustainable mobility, and regional transformation.
