The semi-high speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Rajkot moved up a notch afterGujaratRail Development Corporation Limited (G-RIDE) called for consultants to prepare an Environment and Social Impact Assessment study for the project. G-RIDE is planning to reach out to various multilateral financing agencies like World Bank and Asian Development Bank to fund the project.
At present, G-RIDE is undertaking alignment studies of the project. It is estimated that a majority of the alignment will be along national highway (NH-47) connecting Ahmedabad and Rajkot. The take-off point in Ahmedabad is being planned at Sabarmati.
The EIA study will entail a comprehensive environment and social impact study along the route corridor. The consultants will identify mitigation measures, conduct public consultations, prepare a resettlement action plan as well as an environmental and social management plan. The project will act as a high-speed rail feeder for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train and reduce travel time from Rajkot to Mumbai, which, currently takes more than 12 hours, to less than 5 hours.