Ahmedabad: After introducing metro rail services and advancing the ambitious bullet train project, Gujarat is now preparing to launch a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), similar to the Delhi–Meerut model. The initiative aligns with the long-term urban mobility vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at transforming Gujarat into a modern, well-connected state with world-class infrastructure.
The Bhupendra Patel-led Gujarat government is reportedly working on a plan to connect five satellite towns with major urban hubs through high-speed rapid rail corridors. If implemented, Gujarat would become the second region in India after Delhi-NCR to develop a dedicated RRTS network.
Future-Oriented Planning to Reduce Urban Burden
The move is being seen as part of Gujarat’s future-focused urban planning strategy, especially as the state is preparing to bid for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The government had earlier declared 2025 as the “Urban Development Year”, marking 20 years since planned urban expansion was initiated during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister in 2005.
Last year, the state government identified five towns to be developed as satellite urban centres, with the objective of reducing population pressure on major cities and promoting balanced growth.
Proposed Routes and Key Corridors
According to reports, the Urban Development Department is currently working on the technical framework for the large-scale RRTS project. The proposed rapid rail corridors would connect:
- Sanand to Ahmedabad
- Savli to Vadodara
- Kalol to Gandhinagar
- Bardoli to Surat
- Hirasar to Rajkot
Among these, the Ahmedabad–Sanand corridor is likely to be taken up as the first priority route due to increasing industrial activity and demand for faster connectivity.
Officials are expected to invite technical bids soon, indicating that groundwork for the project has already begun.
RRTS to Complement Metro, Not Replace It
Experts note that RRTS differs from metro systems. While metro services mainly cater to intra-city travel, the RRTS is designed for high-speed inter-city and regional commuting, allowing faster movement between growing satellite towns and urban centres.
Gujarat Expanding Transport Infrastructure
At present, metro rail operations are active in Ahmedabad and connectivity has already extended to Gandhinagar. Meanwhile, Surat metro services are expected to begin by late 2026 or early 2027.
In addition, Gujarat is also set to witness the launch of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train segment soon, with the full corridor expected to be operational by 2029.
With the addition of an RRTS network, Gujarat is positioning itself as one of India’s leading states in terms of modern transportation and urban infrastructure development.
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