The long-awaited Metro extension from Koteshwar to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad is close to receiving final approval from the Central Government. The 6.03 km project, estimated to cost ₹1200 crore, recently received clearance from the Network Planning Group (NPG) in a high-level meeting held last week.
The proposed airport line is part of Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2, and aims to enhance seamless travel between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar while easing road congestion in key areas. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, which focuses on improving multimodal transport connectivity and urban mobility.
In addition to the airport link, a separate ₹2300 crore proposal for extending the Metro service to GIFT City is currently under review by the Centre. However, according to Metro officials, the extended network will not offer a direct point-to-point connection to the airport for all commuters.
Travelers from Thaltej or Vastral, for instance, would need to change trains twice to reach the airport, while those coming from GIFT City would have to make three transfers. Despite this, authorities assure that the system will offer a more convenient and structured solution for airport-bound passengers compared to current options.
The airport metro extension has already been cleared by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It is now under consideration by other central departments, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Railways, before receiving the final nod.
Earlier this year, the Metro network expanded with a new line connecting Motera Stadium to the Secretariat in Gandhinagar, adding seven new stations including Koteshwar Road, Vishwakarma College, Tapovan Circle, Narmada Canal, Koba Circle, Sector-10, and Secretariat.
The Network Planning Group also discussed the long-term urban transport blueprint in the context of India’s bid to host the Olympics in 2036, signaling future expansions in metro and urban transit infrastructure.
