Cabinet approves extension of existing North-South corridor from GIFT City to Shahpur of Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC)

**Executive Summary** The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the extension of the existing North-South corridor from GIFT City to Shahpur for the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC). The 3.33 km extension will include three elevated stations and is scheduled for completion in approximately four years. The project's estimated cost is Rs.1,067.35 crore. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Project Overview:** * Approval for the extension of the North-South corridor from GIFT City to Shahpur. * The extension will be 3.33 kilometers long with three elevated stations. * Estimated project cost: Rs.1,067.35 crore. * Expected completion time: approximately four years. * **Benefits:** * Expected ridership of approximately 23,702 passengers in 2029 and approximately 58,059 passengers in 2041. * Improved connectivity between Ahmedabad and GIFT region. * Benefits to major multinational companies, educational institutions, and commercial centers along the route. * Enhanced travel convenience for daily commuters traveling between Ahmedabad & GIFT region for business, employment, and education. * Improved network integration. * **Job Creation:** * Approximately 1,000 construction jobs will be generated. * Approximately 250 post-construction jobs will be available for operations and maintenance. * Other activities will generate indirect employment. * **Implementation:** * The project will be implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC). * GMRC is a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. * **Background:** * Gujarat Metro's 68.28-km Ahmedabad Metro Phase-I & Phase-II with total 53 stations have been successfully made operational since Sep-2022 (Phase-I) and January-2026 (Phase-II). * The daily ridership on this line is approximately 1,60,000. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Daily Commuters between Ahmedabad and GIFT Region** * **Impact:** Enhanced travel convenience for business, employment, and education purposes, improved network integration, and increased passenger convenience. * **Action Required:** None explicitly stated. **Stakeholder: Multinational Companies, Educational Institutions, and Commercial Centers along the Route** * **Impact:** Direct benefit from improved connectivity and accessibility. * **Action Required:** None explicitly stated. **Stakeholder: Job Seekers** * **Impact:** Availability of approximately 1,000 construction jobs and 250 post-construction operations and maintenance jobs. * **Action Required:** Apply for available positions.

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