The project has just been approved by the Gujarat Industrial Development Board (GIDB), the implementing authority for the state government's Vision 2010, the roadmap devised by former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel in 1999.

According to GIDB officials, a detailed project report and feasibility study for the project, which is estimated to cost roughly Rs 3,200 crore, has been undertaken. The metro rail system, proposed to be put in place between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and north-south and east-west corridors of Ahmedabad, is being seen as the answer to the transportation problem and the increasing vehicular congestion in the city.

The overall project is in line with the metro system in Delhi. In fact, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be given the work of preparing a detailed project report.

Say sources: "Although it is nearly four years since the state government announced that it proposed to introduce a metro rail service within Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, so far there has been no progress. If, even now, the project kick-starts, it will be a big relief."

The project envisages specially constructed rails that will be supported by a network of pillars. Metro trains will then travel at an elevation of about 10 metres above the ground. Most of the rails will be constructed above the existing road network in the city. It is not yet clear as to when the project details will be finalised.

Various projects have been pending with GIDB for several years on which not much progress has been made. The GIDB officials say 15 projects worth Rs 2,249 crore have already been implemented with the help of private sector participation. Besides, 28 projects valued at Rs 36,535 crore have been awarded to be implemented through private sector participation or as joint sector projects. Feasibility studies are in progress for 39 more projects worth Rs 15,401 crore.

GIDB was set up in 1995 and is the nodal agency for implementing projects under Gujarat Infrastructure Agenda — Vision 1999. It envisages a total investment of Rs 117,000 crore in 3,838 projects over the next 10 years in sectors such as ports, power, roads, rail, gas grid and overall urban development.