New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday approved a 134-km semi high-speed double rail line between Ahmedabad and Dholera in Gujarat at an estimated cost of Rs 20,667 crore, along with modernisation of Nagpur International Airport under a public-private partnership model.
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the panel cleared the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera project, which will be implemented by Indian Railways using indigenous technology.
Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the corridor, part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, will have a design speed of 220 kmph and an operational speed of 200 kmph, reducing travel time between Sarkhej and Dholera to about 34 minutes.
The line will connect Ahmedabad with Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex, and is expected to improve regional connectivity and mobility.
The government said the project would serve as a model for future semi high-speed rail expansion and enhance multi-modal connectivity under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It is expected to benefit around 284 villages with a population of about five lakh.
The project is also projected to reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports and lower carbon emissions. Separately, the Cabinet approved extension of lease of land owned by the Airports Authority of India to MIHAN India Limited beyond August 6, 2039, aligning it with a 30-year concession period for GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited.
The move will facilitate modernisation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, with phased development aimed at handling up to 30 million passengers annually.
The airport upgrade is expected to enhance passenger and cargo capacity and strengthen connectivity and economic activity in the Vidarbha region.
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