Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail Project
Table of Contents
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail, officially known as the Ahmedabad–Dholera Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), is a proposed high-speed transit project planned to connect Ahmedabad with Dholera Smart City, India’s first fully planned Greenfield Smart City.
As Dholera grows into a major industrial and urban hub, a dedicated mass transit system is being considered to provide fast, efficient, and sustainable mobility, supporting the long-term development of the city.
Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail Project Overview
According to current planning, the Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail will be a fully elevated corridor, running parallel to the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, spanning approximately 110 kilometers. The system is expected to operate energy-efficient electric coaches at an average speed of 60–80 km per hour, enabling rapid regional transit.
Approximately 7 stations are proposed along the corridor, including 6 elevated stations and 1 at-grade station at Dholera, strategically located to serve industrial, residential, and commercial areas.
This corridor is designed exclusively for the planned smart city region, making it one of the longest dedicated monorail systems proposed in India.
Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail Project Cost and Funding
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail is a large-scale infrastructure project with an estimated cost of ₹6,000–7,000 crore. Funding is expected to come from a combination of sources:
- Government of Gujarat
- Government of India
- Agencies linked to the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
This multi-agency funding structure highlights the strategic significance of the project for regional and national economic development.
Why Dholera Needs a Monorail System?
Dholera is a planned smart city and industrial hub, not a conventional urban expansion. As such, traditional public transport models are insufficient. The monorail is being proposed to:
- Enable fast commuting for the industrial workforce
- Provide seamless access to the Dholera Activation Area
- Reduce road congestion
- Support eco-friendly and sustainable mobility
- Offer direct links to the Dholera International Airport
- Strengthen overall Dholera Connectivity
In short, the monorail is intended to serve as a core mobility backbone supporting the city’s long-term urban planning.
Integration with Regional Infrastructure
The monorail is planned as part of a multimodal transport network. It will integrate with:
- Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway
- Internal road systems within Dholera SIR
- Future rail and logistics corridors
- Dholera International Airport
This integration ensures smooth, organized travel and efficient movement of people across different transport modes, making commuting and cargo movement more seamless and structured.
How the Monorail Strengthens Dholera Smart City Growth?
Efficient transportation is vital for the success of any smart city. The Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail is expected to support:
- Daily workforce commuting
- Business travel between Ahmedabad and Dholera
- Access to industrial and commercial areas
- Planned urban expansion
By providing reliable and rapid transit, the monorail will contribute directly to the Dholera Smart City progress and the long-term development of the region as a global industrial and urban hub.
Implementation Significance
The project falls under the broader DMIC framework and is proposed to be implemented in phases. Its rollout will depend on:
- Population and industrial growth
- Passenger demand
- Infrastructure readiness
- Government approvals
Once operational, the corridor will become an essential component for sustainable and large-scale commuter management in Dholera.
Conclusion
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Monorail represents a key step in building a modern mobility ecosystem for Gujarat. With a proposed 110 km elevated corridor, 7 strategically located stations, and a projected investment of up to ₹7,000 crore, it aims to transform connectivity between Ahmedabad and Dholera Smart City.
When implemented, it will not only reduce travel time but also strengthen Dholera’s position as a globally connected smart industrial and urban center.
