GIFT City to Soon Add Two Metro Stations, Plus a New GSRTC Hub

Gandhinagar: Every weekday at 9:00 am, the Metro leaving APMC Vasna for GIFT City runs packed with young professionals heading to work. Many passengers exit at the PDEU station, but by 10:08 am, the train reaches its final stop—GIFT City Metro Station—and the familiar rush begins. Commuters step out quickly and move toward the line-up of free shuttle buses waiting outside the station. These shuttles, along with a few golf carts, provide essential last-mile connectivity, taking workers to various office zones inside GIFT City.

However, the station’s biggest drawback remains its location. It is positioned far from the Club Building and the core SEZ district where most major offices are located. Walking isn’t an option, making shuttle services unavoidable.

Two New Metro Stations Coming Inside Core District

Authorities say this issue will soon be resolved. Two new metro stations—both inside the central business district—are now in the pipeline, with tenders already underway. The project is expected to take around two years, and one of the upcoming stations will be located near the State Bank of India (SBI) building, significantly improving accessibility for thousands of office workers.

Growing Workforce, Limited Housing Driving Metro Usage

GIFT City currently employs around 27,000 people. While the township was originally designed around a “walk to work” concept, limited housing and rising rental costs have pushed many employees to live in Ahmedabad and other nearby areas. As a result, public transport has become crucial.

The Metro is now the most affordable and time-efficient option. A commuter can travel from Paldi to GIFT City in under an hour for just ₹30. Although frequency is still limited, the timings align fairly well with office hours, making the service popular among daily commuters.

GSRTC Terminal and Electric Mobility Plans

To further improve travel within and around the city, several mobility initiatives are in progress:

• A dedicated GSRTC terminal will be set up inside GIFT City to operate more bus routes to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) will be introduced for internal movement.
• E-bikes are planned, but their rollout is currently paused due to ongoing construction. Dedicated e-bike lanes will be added once conditions are suitable.
• Enhanced feeder connectivity to GNLU Metro station is also being designed, as that route offers higher train frequency.

Parking Pressure and New Multi-Level Facilities

Despite the city’s walkability vision, heavy reliance on private vehicles continues. Roads in the core commercial district are often lined with parked cars and two-wheelers, sometimes spilling onto the carriageway. Officials have acknowledged this challenge and confirmed that three multi-level parking facilities are under development. One structure will feature a seven-storey underground parking tower, possibly the first of its kind in India, expected to be completed within two years.