Western Railway Floats ₹18,901.68 Crore EPC Tender for Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Line

Dholera Smart City has received another major infrastructure boost with Western Railway floating an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) tender worth ₹18,901.68 crore for the Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Line. The tender marks one of the biggest railway infrastructure developments currently underway in Gujarat and represents an important step toward improving connectivity between Ahmedabad and Dholera SIR.

The project follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line earlier in 2026 and moves the corridor closer to construction. For investors, businesses, and stakeholders tracking Dholera Smart City infrastructure projects, the latest tender is a significant milestone.

Why the Sarkhej-Dholera Rail Project Matters

Dholera is not being developed around a single infrastructure project. Its long-term growth strategy relies on multiple connectivity projects working together, including:

• Dholera International Airport
• Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway
• Dholera Smart City trunk infrastructure
• Industrial and semiconductor developments
• Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Line

The rail corridor is expected to strengthen passenger movement, support industrial logistics, and improve regional accessibility between Ahmedabad and Dholera SIR. Once completed, it will complement both the expressway and the upcoming airport and will create a multi-modal transportation network for the region.

Key Highlights of the ₹18,901.68 Crore EPC Tender

Western Railway has invited bids for the construction of the Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Rail Line under a single EPC contract. According to published tender information, the project includes:

Project Highlights

The scope of work extends beyond track construction and includes civil works, viaducts, bridges, station buildings, electrification, signalling systems, telecommunications, operating control centres, testing, and commissioning.

How This Project Improves Dholera Connectivity

One of the biggest challenges for any emerging industrial city is accessibility.

The Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Line is expected to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad and Dholera while also providing links to:

• Dholera International Airport
• Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
• Industrial zones within Dholera SIR
• Future residential and commercial developments

Government-approved project details indicate that the corridor is intended to support faster passenger movement and make commuting between Ahmedabad and Dholera significantly more efficient. The broader project has been planned as India’s first semi high-speed railway corridor using indigenous technology.

What This Means for Dholera Smart City Development

Infrastructure has always been one of the key drivers behind Dholera’s long-term vision.

The latest rail tender is important not simply because of its size but because it demonstrates continued progress across multiple major infrastructure projects. Over the last few years, developments such as the ahmedabad dholera expressway, Dholera International Airport, semiconductor investments, and trunk infrastructure have continued to advance.

The rail corridor now adds another critical layer to that ecosystem by improving transportation links for future residents, businesses, industrial operators, and investors.

What’s Next for the Sarkhej-Dholera Rail Corridor?

At present, Western Railway has invited bids under the EPC tender process. Construction will begin after the tender is awarded and the selected contractor commences execution.

According to publicly available project information, the corridor is targeted for completion around 2030-31 as part of the broader Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project.

Also Read: Dholera Smart City Projects 2026-2030: Top Infrastructure Developments You Should Know

The Bottom Line

The ₹18,901.68 crore EPC tender for the Sarkhej-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Line represents one of the most significant transportation infrastructure developments currently associated with Dholera Smart City. By improving rail connectivity between Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, Dholera International Airport, and Lothal, the project is expected to play a major role in supporting industrial growth, mobility, and long-term regional development.

For anyone tracking Dholera Smart City projects, Dholera infrastructure developments, and the future of Dholera SIR, this is a project worth watching closely over the coming years.