AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has stepped up preparatory work for its third-phase expansion, estimated to cost Rs 2,825 crore, with four tenders worth Rs 35.81 crore floated for shifting underground utilities along key stretches of Phase 3B and 3C and at the Gyaspur depot. The 60-km Phase 3, which will have 42 stations on a circular route, is also expected to extend towards Dholera Airport.
The process of appointing design consultants for three Metro-cum-Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) hybrid corridors under Phase 3 has started. Together, the corridors will cover 48.48 km and comprise 32 elevated stations.
The Vakil Bridge–Badarabad corridor will stretch 12.38 km and have six stations. The APMC–Rakhiyal corridor will cover 14.5 km with 11 stations, while the longest corridor, from Malek Saheban Stadium to Nehrunagar, will span 21.6 km and have 15 stations.
The proposed hybrid corridors are designed to provide faster connections between Ahmedabad’s urban areas and the wider regional transport network, adding a regional mobility component to the city’s planned Metro expansion.
Tenders issued
The utility-shifting works involve relocating electricity, water, gas, sewerage and telecom lines before construction of pillars, viaducts and stations begins. The preparatory work is intended to prevent repeated excavation of roads and minimise delays during the civil construction phase.
The largest tender, valued at Rs 13.82 crore, covers utility shifting along the APMC–Prakashnagar–Wadaj stretch. Another tender, worth Rs 13.17 crore, covers the Prakashnagar–Wadaj station link. Utility shifting from Canal Road to the Badarabad dead end under Phase 3B has been estimated at Rs 7.89 crore. The works have completion periods ranging from six to 10 months.
The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved the third phase, which will now be placed before the Union Cabinet for consideration. The planned 60-km circular route is expected to strengthen connectivity across Ahmedabad while extending the Metro network towards the proposed Dholera airport link.
