Ahmedabad Prepares For 2036 Olympics With Ambitious Metro Expansion

Currently, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) is running about 40 kilometers of metro lines. These include the Thaltej to Vastral stretch and the route from APMC Vasna to GIFT City (Gandhinagar Sector-1). However, in anticipation of the global sporting event, the GMRC is planning a significant scale up of the existing network to meet the demands of increased mobility across the growing corridor making it easier for both locals and international visitors.

According to GMRC officials, three major metro extensions are currently in the pipeline:
1. Thaltej to Manipur-Godhavi Extension (₹2,500 crore)
This 8-kilometer stretch will connect Thaltej to Manipur-Godhavi, passing through key areas like Shilaj, Palodia, Bopal, and Ghuma. This route has been carefully designed to serve the proposed Olympic Village and a new international sports complex in Manipur- Godhavi, making it a vital link during the Games.

2. GIFT City to IIT Gandhinagar (₹1,750 crore)
A 7-kilometer extension with six stations will link GIFT City to IIT Gandhinagar, creating a seamless transit route between the academic hub and Ahmedabad’s existing metro line at APMC Vasna.

3. Koteshwar to Ahmedabad Airport (₹1,800 crore)
To accommodate the influx of domestic and international sports fans, a new metro line connecting Koteshwar to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is also in the pipeline. This move aims to streamline airport access and reduce congestion during the event.

Additionally, there is consideration to further extend the Manipur-Godhavi metro route to Sanand, a region rapidly evolving into a key semiconductor manufacturing hub. If approved, this extension would not only support Olympic infrastructure but also bolster Ahmedabad’s long-term industrial connectivity.

Together, these projects reflect a broader strategy: leveraging the Olympics as a catalyst to reimagine urban mobility and accelerate Gujarat’s economic development.