NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a 6-km extension of Ahmedabad Metro to the city airport and also allowed construction of central government offices and residential complexes in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnao said that Ahmedabad Metro extension will enhance connectivity to major infrastructure projects planned in the city.
“The important point of this is that the Sardar Patel Sports Zone is being built for the Commonwealth Games… and it will be connected to the airport through this metro,” Vaishnaw said. “This project will be completed in four years and will connect the airport and the Commonwealth Games site.”
The Cabinet approved Phase II (A) of Ahmedabad Metro, a 6.03 km stretch from Koteshwar Road to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at an estimated cost. $2,169 Crores. The corridor will include a 3.33 km elevated section and five stations, including an underground station. Once completed, the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro network will expand to 77.63 km, according to a government statement.
The statement added that the project will improve airport connectivity, support urban growth, and provide direct access to the Sardar Patel Sports Zone, where sports infrastructure is expected to be developed ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2029 World Police Games. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities during construction and operations.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the construction of a Public Office Accommodation (GPOA) and Public Residential Park (GPRA) in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh at a combined cost of approx. $2,534 crores. The projects are proposed to be implemented by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) on lands allotted to central government institutions in Amaravati.
Explaining the rationale for the office complex, Vaishnaw said: “Amaravati is becoming a new city, so many central government offices in the new city will be shifted to one complex.”
The minister added: “It is difficult to work from separate offices, and integration allows for appropriate coordination.”
The office complex will bring together several central government departments under one campus, while the residential complex will provide housing for government employees working in the city, improving administrative efficiency and coordination, officials familiar with the matter said.
