The Union Cabinet's approval of Phase 2A of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project will enhance connectivity to Ahmedabad Airport, offering logistics operators a potential new link for air cargo and staff movement. The 6.032-km corridor from Koteshwar Road to the airport, approved at a total cost of Rs 2,169.04 crore (including interest during construction), is expected to reduce road congestion and improve travel times to the airport.
Project Details
The corridor, approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will feature five stations: Ashram Road, Koteshwar Prachin Mandir, Sabarmati River, Sardar Nagar, and Airport. Among these, four stations are elevated and one is underground.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Corridor | Koteshwar Road to Ahmedabad Airport |
| Length | 6.032 km |
| Total Cost | Rs 2,169.04 crore (incl. IDC) |
| Stations | 5 (4 elevated, 1 underground) |
| Station Names | Ashram Road, Koteshwar Prachin Mandir, Sabarmati River, Sardar Nagar, Airport |
| Expanded Network | 77.63 km |
| Peak Construction Employment | ~2,000 persons |
| Operations & Maintenance Employment | ~500 persons |
Network Expansion and Connectivity
According to the government, this corridor aims to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad Airport and other parts of the city while integrating with the existing Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro network. Upon completion, the operational metro rail network across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar will expand to 77.63 km. The project connects residential and commercial areas that currently have limited access to rapid public transport.
Employment and Economic Impact
The project is expected to generate employment for around 2,000 people during peak construction activity, with approximately 500 personnel likely to be engaged in operation and maintenance once the system becomes operational. The government also stated that the corridor could support connectivity requirements if sports infrastructure is developed in the area for events such as the World Police Games 2029 and the Commonwealth Games 2030.
Implications for Logistics and Supply Chain
For logistics operators, the improved access to Ahmedabad Airport via metro could ease last-mile delivery challenges for air cargo and reduce dependence on road transport. The government noted that the extension is expected to provide an alternative mode of transport for commuters travelling to the airport and other key locations, potentially reducing pressure on road networks and improving travel times. Better connectivity to transport hubs including the airport, railway stations, and bus depots may also support commercial activity around metro stations, indirectly benefiting supply chain operations.
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