Ahmedabad Metro’s proposed Phase 3 expansion could significantly improve connectivity across the city’s western, eastern and southern areas while bringing the metro network closer to the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway. The proposed expansion includes a corridor from Thaltej Gam towards Badrabad and a circular metro route connecting several parts of Ahmedabad.
The Public Investment Board (PIB) has cleared the Phase 3 proposal, according to media reports published in August 2026. However, the project still requires final approval from the Union Cabinet before construction can proceed.
The proposed network is expected to include around 60 km of metro corridors and 41 elevated stations. Although the expansion is being discussed in connection with Dholera International Airport, the currently reported corridor ends at Badrabad. A direct metro extension to Dholera and its airport is envisaged as a possible future development, not a fully approved route.
Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3: Key Details
- Proposed network length: Approximately 60 km
- Planned elevated stations: 41
- Main corridor: Thaltej Gam to Badrabad via the Sanathal side
- Proposed circular route: Vadaj to Vadaj
- Approval status: PIB clearance reported; Union Cabinet approval pending
- Dholera airport connectivity: Future extension proposed; not yet confirmed as an approved metro line
- Construction status: Preparatory and design-related work reported; construction depends on the required approvals
1. Thaltej Gam to Badrabad Metro Corridor: Proposed Route
One of the major components of Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 is the proposed extension from Thaltej Gam towards Badrabad, near the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway. According to published reports, the corridor will begin around the Shilaj Canal Road area and run broadly parallel to the Sardar Patel Ring Road.
The reported alignment includes important locations such as:
- Thaltej Gam
- Shilaj Canal Road and Shilaj Crossroads
- Bopal Crossroads
- Shantipura Crossroads
- Godhavi and the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA)
- Badrabad, near the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway
The final station locations and detailed alignment will depend on the approved design.
How Will the Corridor Help Ahmedabad?
The proposed corridor is intended to improve public transport access in rapidly developing residential, commercial and institutional areas in southwest Ahmedabad.
It is also expected to provide connectivity to the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena at Godhavi, a proposed sports hub associated with Gujarat’s ambitions to host major sporting events. By extending the metro network towards Badrabad, the project could improve access to the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway corridor and provide a foundation for possible future transport links towards Dholera.
2. Will Ahmedabad Metro Reach Dholera International Airport?
This is one of the biggest questions surrounding the Phase 3 proposal.
The important distinction is that the currently reported Phase 3 corridor ends at Badrabad, not at Dholera International Airport.
Badrabad is located near the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway and is being considered as a potential connection point for future extensions towards Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and the airport.
However, a direct metro line from Ahmedabad to Dholera International Airport has not been confirmed as part of the currently reported Phase 3 approval. A final route, project cost and completion timeline for such an extension have not been announced in the cited reports. Travellers should therefore not assume that a metro service to Dholera Airport will begin by a particular year.
Why Is the Proposed Link Important?
If developed in the future, a direct public transport connection could improve access between Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR and the airport. It could also support industrial development, business travel and passenger movement. For now, the confirmed planning milestone is the proposed metro expansion towards Badrabad, subject to the remaining approvals.
3. Ahmedabad Metro’s Proposed Vadaj Circular Corridor
Phase 3 also includes a proposed circular metro route starting and ending at Vadaj. The loop is intended to connect western, eastern and southern parts of Ahmedabad.
The reported route includes the following areas and locations:
- Vadaj
- Akhbarnagar
- Naranpura
- Gujarat University area
- Shivranjani
- Shyamal Crossroads
- Jivraj Park
- APMC
- Pirana Crossroads
- Isanpur
- Amraiwadi
- Rakhial Road
- Saijpur Bogha
- Kalapinagar
- Girdharnagar
- Dudheshwar
- Return to Vadaj
This is a reported preliminary alignment, not a final list of approved station names. The exact station sequence and locations may change during detailed planning.
How Could the Circular Metro Route Reduce Traffic?
The proposed loop is intended to make it easier to travel between different parts of Ahmedabad without having to pass through the busiest central areas.
Interchange connections are proposed around Gujarat University, APMC, Amraiwadi and Vadaj. These could help passengers transfer between the existing metro network and the proposed Phase 3 corridors. The benefits will depend on the final alignment, interchange design, service frequency and integration with other public transport systems.
4. How Many Stations Will Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 Have?
Reports on the proposal indicate that the Phase 3 network will include approximately 41 elevated stations across a network of around 60 km.
The stations are planned to serve emerging residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres, educational and institutional areas, and important transport connections. The final number of stations, their names and their precise locations will be established through the detailed design and approval process.
5. When Will Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 Construction Begin?
As reported in August 2026, the Public Investment Board had cleared the Phase 3 proposal, while final Union Cabinet approval was still pending.
Preparatory activities reported by the media include the appointment of Detailed Design Consultants, geotechnical investigations and work related to utility mapping and diversion.
These activities are part of the process of preparing a large infrastructure project for construction. They do not mean that the entire corridor has received final approval or that passenger services are imminent.
Construction can move forward after the required approvals, statutory procedures, land-related formalities and tendering are completed.
A confirmed opening date has not been established in the cited reports.
6. Is Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 Related to the 2030 Commonwealth Games?
The proposed expansion has been discussed in the context of Ahmedabad’s broader urban development and Gujarat’s ambitions to host major international sporting events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The proposed link to the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena at Godhavi could improve public transport access to the sports facility if the corridor is implemented as planned.
However, the metro project’s final timeline and operational readiness will depend on approvals, construction progress and testing. The proposal should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every section will be operational by 2030.
7. Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 vs Airport Metro Extension
Ahmedabad has separate metro expansion proposals, and the distinction matters for commuters.
The airport extension is part of Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2A, while the wider Phase 3 proposal includes the Thaltej Gam–Badrabad corridor and the Vadaj circular route.
The airport extension is a separate project intended to connect the existing metro network with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Media reports dated October 26, 2026, stated that a civil works contract worth approximately ₹859.25 crore had been awarded for the airport corridor, with construction expected to begin after Diwali.
This airport project should not be confused with a direct Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 service to Dholera International Airport.
8. What Does the Proposal Mean for Ahmedabad and Gujarat?
If approved and completed, Phase 3 could expand public transport coverage across developing parts of Ahmedabad and improve connections between residential areas, business districts and important transport corridors.
The proposed Badrabad connection could also support future transport planning towards Dholera SIR. However, a direct metro link to Dholera Airport remains a separate future possibility.
For commuters, businesses and residents, the next major milestones to watch are final Union Cabinet approval, publication of the detailed alignment, tendering, construction commencement and an official project completion schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 been approved?
The project received Public Investment Board clearance, according to August 2026 media reports. Final Union Cabinet approval was still pending in the cited coverage.
Will Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 connect directly to Dholera Airport?
Not under the currently reported corridor. Phase 3 is proposed to reach Badrabad, near the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway. A further extension towards Dholera SIR and the airport is a proposed future possibility.
What is the proposed length of Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3?
The proposed network is approximately 60 km long, with around 41 elevated stations.
Which areas will the proposed Phase 3 metro serve?
The reported plan includes a Thaltej Gam–Badrabad corridor serving the southwest Ahmedabad growth belt, along with a circular corridor connecting areas such as Vadaj, Naranpura, Shivranjani, Jivraj Park, APMC, Isanpur, Amraiwadi and Dudheshwar.
When will Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 open?
A confirmed opening date has not been announced in the cited reports. The project requires further approvals and construction before passenger services can begin.
Is the airport metro extension part of Phase 3?
No. The metro extension to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is a separate Phase 2A project. It should not be confused with the proposed Phase 3 route towards Badrabad and the possible future connection to Dholera.
Latest Updates
The proposed Ahmedabad Metro Phase 3 expansion is an important part of Gujarat’s longer-term public transport plans. However, readers should distinguish between the corridors reported as part of the current proposal and future extensions that have not yet received final approval.
For confirmed route maps, station details, tenders and construction announcements, follow updates from the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation and the relevant government authorities.
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