Beijing, Sep 11 (IANS) Two major cities of Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, have been connected by metro. Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), in collaboration with the Centre and Gujarat government, has completed the construction of the second phase of the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Rail Project. The metro between the two cities will run from September 16.
In the new phase, important places like GNLU, PDEU, GIFT City and Sector-1 of Gandhinagar will be connected by metro. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new phase at a function to be held in Gandhinagar Sector-1.
The Phase-2 extension will cover a distance of 21 km from Motera to Gandhinagar. It will have a separate corridor to reach GIFT City. This will provide better connectivity to locals, professionals and students.
The metro will reduce travel time considerably. It will be possible to reach Gandhinagar from Ahmedabad in one hour. Apart from this, vehicle emissions, traffic and pollution will be reduced. With the launch of the new phase, the 33.5 km journey from APMC (Vasna) to Gandhinagar Sector-1 will take 65 minutes and the fare will be only Rs 35. This is a much cheaper option than taxis or auto-rickshaws, which charge more than Rs 375 for this distance.
The launch of Metro Phase-2 is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The launch of the metro service will make access to commercial hubs like GIFT City and Infocity easier. Real estate business around the new metro stations will get a boost. Due to better connectivity, demand for residential and commercial units is expected to increase.
–IANS
Mk/ABM
