Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has floated design consultancy tenders for the proposed Ahmedabad Metro Phase III project, which includes an ambitious hybrid Metro–Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network estimated at around ₹2,825 crore.
The proposed corridors are aimed at improving high-speed regional connectivity between Ahmedabad and rapidly growing peripheral urban zones including Thaltej and Godhavi, while supporting long-term metropolitan expansion across the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar urban region.
According to tender documents issued by GMRC, the consultancy contracts involve detailed design and engineering services for the upcoming hybrid transit corridors that are expected to combine characteristics of urban metro systems and higher-speed regional rapid transit infrastructure. The project is being planned to support faster suburban commuting while integrating with Ahmedabad Metro’s existing network.
The proposed Thaltej–Godhavi alignment is strategically important because it is expected to serve expanding residential, institutional, industrial, and commercial zones along Ahmedabad’s western growth corridor. The region has witnessed rapid urbanisation driven by infrastructure development, industrial investment, and growing real estate activity.
Officials indicated that the Phase III project is being conceptualised as part of Ahmedabad’s broader integrated urban mobility strategy focused on reducing congestion, improving multimodal connectivity, and supporting sustainable transportation infrastructure. The hybrid Metro-RRTS concept is expected to provide faster travel speeds compared to conventional metro systems for longer suburban stretches.
The transit system is expected to integrate with existing Ahmedabad Metro Phase I and Phase II corridors, creating a larger regional rail-based mobility network across the Ahmedabad Metropolitan Region. Ahmedabad Metro currently connects major city zones including Motera, Thaltej, Vastral, and Gandhinagar through multiple operational and under-construction corridors.
Urban transport planners increasingly view hybrid metro-RRTS systems as an efficient solution for rapidly growing metropolitan regions where daily commuting patterns extend beyond core urban areas into surrounding suburban and satellite townships. Similar models are also being implemented in the National Capital Region through the Delhi–Meerut RRTS project.
The Ahmedabad Metropolitan Region has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing urban and industrial clusters due to investments in manufacturing, finance, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, logistics, and infrastructure. Major projects including the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Bullet Train corridor, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), expressway networks, and GIFT City are further accelerating regional growth.
Industry experts noted that the proposed Metro Phase III expansion could significantly improve suburban mobility and reduce dependence on private vehicles while supporting transit-oriented urban development across western Ahmedabad. Improved rapid transit connectivity is also expected to enhance real estate development, commercial activity, and industrial accessibility along the corridor.
The consultancy tender stage marks an early but important step towards project planning and technical evaluation. Following completion of detailed designs and feasibility assessments, GMRC is expected to move toward project approvals, funding arrangements, and phased implementation planning for the upcoming hybrid transit corridors.
