Western Railway Invites ₹18,901.68 Crore EPC Bids for Sarkhej–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Corridor

India's railway infrastructure is set for another major milestone as Western Railway has invited Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) bids for the ambitious Sarkhej–Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line. With an estimated contract value of ₹18,901.68 crore, the project marks a significant step toward strengthening connectivity between Ahmedabad and the rapidly developing Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR).

The proposed rail corridor will establish a high-capacity transportation link connecting Sarkhej in Ahmedabad with Dholera Smart City, while also incorporating dedicated spur lines to the Dholera International Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC). Once completed, the corridor is expected to significantly improve passenger mobility, industrial logistics, and regional economic development.

The EPC package includes the complete execution of the project under a single contract. This covers earthwork, bridges, viaducts, station buildings, track installation, electrification, overhead traction systems, signalling and telecommunication infrastructure, operational control centres, along with testing and commissioning of the entire railway network.

The tender has been issued with a completion timeline of 42 months, reflecting the government's commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects that support Gujarat's industrial growth. Industry experts believe this corridor will become one of the most important transport links supporting the expansion of Dholera Smart City and the surrounding industrial ecosystem.

The Sarkhej–Dholera corridor is part of the broader vision to develop India's first indigenous semi high-speed railway corridor, designed to provide faster, safer, and more efficient rail connectivity. The overall project is estimated to cost around ₹20,667 crore, making it one of the country's most significant railway investments currently under development.

For Dholera Smart City, the rail project represents another major infrastructure boost alongside ongoing developments such as the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, the Dholera International Airport, and the city's expanding industrial and manufacturing ecosystem. Improved rail connectivity is expected to enhance accessibility for businesses, investors, and future residents while strengthening Dholera's position as one of India's fastest-growing investment destinations.

As construction progresses over the coming years, the Sarkhej–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Line is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming regional transportation and supporting the long-term vision of Dholera as a world-class smart industrial city.

Source:https://metrorailnews.in/western-railway-floats-%E2%82%B918901-68-cr-epc-tender-for-sarkhej-dholera-semi-high-speed-double-rail-line/