Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd

GUJARAT METRO RAIL CORPORATION (GMRC) LIMITED

(SPV of Government of India and Government of Gujarat)
[Formerly known as Metro-Link Express for Gandhinagar And Ahmedabad (MEGA) Company Limited]

Project Overview

Projects Overview

a. Project Overview:

Commencement of commercial operations of Ahmedabad Metro Phase-I has proved to be a game changer in intra-city transportation landscape in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Metro becomes most preferred choice among the commuters for their regular commuting needs.

The commercial operations of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-I began in March 2019 with a 6.5 km viaduct and 6 stations. An additional 32.1 km stretch became operational in October 2022, bringing the total operational length to 38.6 km. The remaining 1.43 km stretch from Thaltej to Thaltej Gam was opened to the public in December 2024. In total, the Ahmedabad Metro comprises a 40.03 km corridor with 32 stations and 2 depots, divided into two corridors or alignments.

Details of Operational routes and schedules are as under:

ParticularsEast-West CorridorNorth-South Corridor
Operating Length (in KM)21.1618.87
Nos. of Elevated Stations in Operations1314
Nos. of Underground Stations in Operations4NA
Interchange StationOld High Court Interchange
DepotApparel Park Metro DepotGyaspur Metro Depot
Nos. of Trains in Daily OperationsWeekdays: 10 + 1 StandbyWeekdays: 8 + 1 Standby
Weekends: 8 + 1 StandbyWeekends: 7 + 1 Standby
Operating Time06:20 Hrs to 22:00 Hrs06:20 Hrs to 22:00 Hrs
Fare CollectionAutomatic fare collection system with combination of smart cards, computerized paper tickets & App based QR Tickets, NCMC Cards
Note** The hours of train operations are subject to modification, depending on special events like Navratri, Diwali, Cricket Matches etc. with prior public notice.

b. Alignment Map

c.  Multi Modal Integration

Infrastructure like footpath, lift, stairs & skywalks are provided to connect other PT modes. This has facilitated for safe and seamless transfer of passengers within systems.

a. Project Overview:

The Phase-II is an extension of the Phase-I that aims to connect the twin cities Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. On September 14, 2024, Out of 28.2 km long corridor (Motera to Mahatma Mandir and GNLU to Gift City) 20.8 km stretch and 8 stations of 22 stations of this phase was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Phase-II envisages following metro rail network:

CorridorNo. of StationsOperational StationsRoute Length (km)Operational Length (km)
Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir20622.815.4
GNLU to GIFT City225.45.4
Total22828.220.8

b. Alignment Map

c. Narmada Extradosed Bridge:

Extradosed Bridge across Narmada Canal is part of elevated viaduct of Ahmedabad Metro Project from Mahatma Mandir to APMC through North-South corridor.

 The 303 mts long extradosed bridge built over Narmada canal is one of its kind structure. This bridge is a precast segmentally constructed by balance cantilever construction technique supported by stray cable intermittently in two planes.

d. Multi Modal Integration

NMT Facilities at Ahmedabad Metro- Phase-II Stations

For other stations, universally accessible, at grade integration through footpath, cycle track, PBS, drop off bays, bus bays, parking facilities etc. is planned.  

Sr. No.Metro StationsUniversal AccessibilityNMT modes
1Sector 1Ramps and Tactile are provided at all the station for ease of accessContinuous footpath is available connecting nearby sectors, bus stops and Pathikashram bus depot
2InfocityContinuous footpath from entry/exit connecting nearby employment centers Future provision for PBS
3DholakuvaFootpath below station Future provision for PBS
4Randesan
5Raysan
6GNLU
7PDEUContinuous footpath and cycle track available throughout the Knowledge corridor, space for PBS is provided
8GIFT CityFootpath below station Future provision for PBS

d. Green Initiatives for Ahmedabad Metro

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environment Management Framework

Environment Monitoring

Waste Management

Water

Ambient Air Quality

Biodiversity Management

Noise and Vibration

Energy Efficiency

Green Procurement

Clean Disposal Mechanism

Rain Water Harvesting/ Recharge System of Metro Station

Renewable Energy

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

An EIA study has been conducted per the World Bank’s guidelines. All environmental aspects, i.e., Air, water, Biodiversity, noise and vibration, waste, etc., are assessed for impact prediction during the pre-construction, construction, and operation phases. Accordingly, the Environment management plan (EMP) and Environment monitoring plan were enacted and are being implemented by Contractors under the supervision of GMRC.

Environment Management Framework

During construction, the civil contractor is responsible for EMP implementation until handover to GMRC in the operational phase. A three-tier system for environment management for site and desk work is in place during construction. GMRC, GEC (General Engineering Company), and contractors ensure EMP compliance, environmental impact assessment, regulation adherence, activity tracking, and goal achievement.

Environment Monitoring

Environmental monitoring during construction is conducted by contractors and overseen by GMRC. Air and noise quality are monitored twice a month, water and soil half-yearly, and vibration measurement quarterly by NABL accredited/MoEFCC recognized agencies. GMRC’s monitoring plan includes sample location, frequency, technique, duration, limits, and corrective actions for continuous improvement

Waste Management

Yards and office waste are disposed of through GMC. Hazardous/biomedical waste from casting yards is disposed of at facilities authorized by GPCB. C&D waste is used for low-lying area backfilling. Muck disposal is managed within casting yards. Some waste is reused (e.g., drums as bins), and others are sold to vendors. Concrete waste from batching plants is reused for making concrete slippers instead of wooden slippers.

Water

Industrial water is primarily used in the Batching plant and for curing in Casting yards, while domestic water is used for offices and labour camps. Both casting yards are connected to a drainage system. Wastewater from the Batching plant is treated in a Sedimentation Tank and reused for cleaning mixers and drums. Curing water is reused as much as possible. An RO plant supplies drinking water to employees and the labour colony, and its reject water is reused for washing and plantation purposes

Ambient Air Quality

Stationary water sprinklers are used in the storage areas of casting yards to control dust from construction material handling. Mobile sprinklers manage dust from heavy vehicle and equipment movement. Regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment is carried out to maintain air and noise quality. Ambient air quality is monitored at key locations twice a month.

Biodiversity Management

To compensate for the trees fallen during the project, ten times the number of trees cut were planted for Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase II, and three times for Phase I. Afforestation sites were finalized with the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporations.

20,637 trees were planted along with median plantation for the Ahmedabad Phase II, using native species with a 3-year post-care contract. A biodiversity survey for Phase II was conducted by the  GEER Foundation, and the data was published via the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), making it openly accessible for the first time for metro rail projects in the country. This contributes to global biodiversity knowledge, conservation, biodiversity-inclusive planning and informed local government.

Noise & Vibration

Noise and vibration assessments have been conducted for both the Ahmedabad and Surat projects during construction and will continue in the operational phase. Sensitive areas along the alignment are identified and assessed for impacts. Ambient noise and vibration are continuously monitored, with appropriate mitigation measures implemented, considering factors like traffic movements.

 Energy Efficiency

GMRC has adopted energy-efficient practices at project sites by using efficient lighting and luminaires, translucent sheets instead of conventional ones, and solar-powered blinkers and energy-efficient equipment & machineries. Site offices are designed for maximum daylight and reduced heat gain, with proper insulation to enhance air conditioning efficiency.

Green Procurement

GMRC integrates environmental and health concerns into procurement processes for civil works, materials, equipment, and services. Tender documents include criteria aligned with environment and society protection. The ESHS (Environment, Safety, Health & Social) manual prepared by GMRC is part of every tender, as per local, national, and global standards.

Clean Disposal Mechanism

DMRC was appointed in 2020 for “Consultancy and Validation Services,” including registration with UNFCCC under DMRC’s CDM POA for both Ahmedabad Phase-2 & Surat Metro Rail Project. Traffic surveys and draft CDM documents have been submitted, with verification audit under process.

Ahmedabad Metro Phase-II: Estimated amount of annual average GHG emission reduction – 21,590 tCO₂eq (Source: CDM-CPA_DD_FORM, CPA005, dated 17 Feb 2023)

Rain Water Harvesting / Recharge System
GMRC is implementing rainwater harvesting at metro stations and depots in Ahmedabad Metro Phase II. Each station will have 5 recharge pits, collecting about 2072 m³ of rainwater annually for groundwater recharge. The work is under progress.

Renewable Energy
To promote energy conservation and efficiency in Metro Rail projects, GMRC is conducting feasibility assessments for rooftop solar systems at metro stations, offices, and depots for both Ahmedabad and Surat projects. Based on the assessment, installations will proceed in phases after station and depot construction.

Currently, rooftop solar systems are being installed at 15 Ahmedabad Metro Rail Phase II stations. This is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 8,856 tons per year—equivalent to planting around 402,545 trees. The work is ongoing.

a. Project Overview:

Surat Metro Phase-I having 2 Corridors and 38 stations is an approved Metro system being built by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) to serve Surat and its adjoining areas,

b. Alignment Map

c. Green Initiatives for Surat Metro

Environment Management Framework

Environment Monitoring

Waste Management

Water

Ambient Air Quality

Biodiversity Management

Noise and Vibration

Energy Efficiency

Green Procurement

Clean Disposal Mechanism

Environment Management Framework

During construction, the civil contractor is responsible for EMP implementation until handover to GMRC in the operational phase. A three-tier system for environment management for site and desk work is in place during construction. GMRC, GEC (General Engineering Company), and contractors ensure EMP compliance, environmental impact assessment, regulation adherence, activity tracking, and goal achievement.

Environment Monitoring

Environmental monitoring during construction is conducted by contractors and overseen by GMRC at all sensitive receptors. Air and noise quality are monitored twice a month, water and soil half-yearly, and vibration measurement quarterly by NABL accredited/MoEFCC recognized agencies. GMRC’s monitoring plan includes sample location, frequency, technique, duration, limits, and corrective actions for continuous improvement

Waste Management

Yards and office waste are disposed of through GMC. Hazardous/biomedical waste from casting yards is disposed of at facilities authorized by GPCB. C&D waste is used for low-lying area backfilling. Muck disposal is managed within casting yards. Some waste is reused (e.g., drums as bins), and others are sold to vendors. Concrete waste from batching plants is reused for making concrete slippers instead of wooden slippers.

Water

Industrial water is primarily used in the Batching plant and for curing in Casting yards, while domestic water is used for offices and labour camps. Both casting yards are connected to a drainage system. Wastewater from the Batching plant is treated in a Sedimentation Tank and reused for cleaning mixers and drums. Curing water is reused as much as possible. An RO plant supplies drinking water to employees and the labour colony, and its reject water is reused for washing and plantation purposes

Ambient Air Quality

Stationary water sprinklers are used in the storage areas of casting yards to control dust from construction material handling. Mobile sprinklers manage dust from heavy vehicle and equipment movement. Regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment is carried out to maintain air and noise quality. Ambient air quality is monitored at key locations twice a month.

Biodiversity Management

To compensate for tree felling in the Surat Metro Rail Project Phase I, three times the number of trees cut were planted. The afforestation site was finalized with Surat Municipal Corporation. Over 12,000 plants were planted in 2022–2023 using native species, with a 3-year post-care contract. Around 1,040 trees were transplanted based on the health and site conditions of the tree.

Biodiversity Data: The GEER Foundation conducted a biodiversity survey (flora, fauna, zooplankton, phytoplankton) from July 2023 to Feb 2024. As per the project agreement, the data is published via GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), ensuring open access.

Flamingo Conservation Action Plan: A study on flamingo conservation along the Tapi River in the stretch between Sardar Bridge and Pt. Dindayal Upadhyay Bridge was conducted from Dec 2021 to Dec 2022. No flamingos were observed during the study period. GEER submitted the final report in March 2023, recommending mitigation measures during the construction. Some actions are already being implemented.

Noise & Vibration

Noise and vibration assessments study conducted during the construction phase will be conducted for operational phases as well. Sensitive receptors along the alignment are identified and evaluated for any potential impact. Ambient noise and vibration levels are continuously monitored, though they may be influenced by site factors like traffic movement. Mitigation measures are implemented wherever necessary.

Energy Efficiency

GMRC has adopted energy-efficient practices at project sites by using efficient lighting and luminaires, translucent sheets instead of conventional ones, and solar-powered blinkers and energy-efficient equipment & machineries. Site offices are designed for maximum daylight and reduced heat gain, with proper insulation to enhance air conditioning efficiency.

Green Procurement

GMRC integrates environmental and health concerns into procurement processes for civil works, materials, equipment, and services. Tender documents include criteria aligned with environment and society protection. The ESHS (Environment, Safety, Health & Social) manual prepared by GMRC is part of every tender, as per local, national, and global standards.

Clean Disposal Mechanism

DMRC was appointed in 2020 for “Consultancy and Validation Services,” including registration with UNFCCC under DMRC’s CDM POA for both Ahmedabad Phase-2 & Surat Metro Rail Project. Traffic surveys and draft CDM documents have been submitted, with verification audit under process.

Surat Metro Phase-I: Estimated amount of annual average GHG emission reduction –  89,985 tCO₂eq (Source: CDM-CPA_DD_FORM, CPA005, dated 17 Feb 2023)