Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Phase II of the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Rail Project on Monday, September 16. This phase covers approximately 21 kilometers and includes eight new stations, connecting key locations between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar such as GNLU, PDEU, Gift City, Raysan, Randesan, Dholakuva, Infocity, and Sector-1.

According to an official release, the Metro Rail Extension is designed to be both affordable and time-efficient. For example, the Metro journey from APMC to Gandhinagar’s Sector-1, a distance of about 33 km, takes just 65 minutes and costs Rs 35. In contrast, a taxi for the same route can take over 80 minutes and cost more than Rs 415, while auto rickshaw fares are around Rs 375, taking a similar or longer time. With its lower fares and reliable travel times, the Metro aims to become the preferred choice for daily commuters, students, and professionals in the rapidly growing areas of Gandhinagar and GIFT City.

The Metro’s clean energy use and efficient design also contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, making it a sustainable alternative to private vehicles. It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on Ahmedabad’s busy roads, decreasing pollution and easing the burden on existing transport infrastructure.

The total cost of Phase II is Rs 5,384 crore. The Metro Rail Extension is also anticipated to drive real estate development around the new stations, with a projected increase in demand for residential and commercial units, the release added.