Surat Metro Phase-1 Nears Major Milestones: First Section Expected to Launch by Mid-2026

Surat Metro Phase 1 construction progress with first section expected to launch by mid 2026
Construction work progresses on Surat Metro Phase-1 as the first operational section is expected to open by mid-2026.

The Surat Metro project has reached important construction milestones as of March 2026. Work on several stations and corridors is now moving into the final stages.

Officials involved in the project say the first operational section of the metro is expected to open by mid-2026, which will significantly improve public transportation across Surat.

The metro system is being developed by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation and is considered one of the biggest urban transport projects currently underway in the city.

Major Construction Milestones Achieved in 2026

Several key engineering works have recently been completed, marking strong progress for the metro project.

  • Tunnel Breakthrough: A major underground milestone was achieved in February 2026 when tunneling work reached a breakthrough near Chowk Bazaar station. After completing the tunnel structure, teams have now moved to interior finishing work such as track laying and electrical installation
  • Tapi River Metro Bridge: Another important development took place earlier in January 2026, when engineers completed span construction for the metro bridge across the Tapi River. This bridge connects Athwalines and Adajan, forming an important part of the Green Line corridor

Metro Corridor Progress

The Surat Metro project is divided into two main corridors, known as the Red Line and Green Line.

Corridor-1: Red Line

The Red Line runs from Sarthana to Dream City, covering approximately 21.61 km. This section is the priority corridor and is expected to be the first part of the metro to start operations in mid-2026. Tunneling between Chowk Bazaar, Maskati Hospital, and Surat Railway Station has already been completed.

Corridor-2: Green Line

The Green Line will connect Bhesan to Saroli, covering about 18.74 km. Unlike the Red Line, this corridor is entirely elevated, and construction work continues across all its stations.

Key Project Specifications

The Surat Metro Phase-1 network will have the following features:

  • Total Network Length: 40.35 km
  • Underground Section: 6.47 km
  • Total Stations: 38 stations
    • 20 stations on the Red Line
    • 18 stations on the Green Line
  • Main Interchange Station: Majura Gate (connects both lines)
  • Metro Depots: Dream City, Bhesan
  • Estimated Project Cost: ₹12,020.32 crore

Operational Timeline for Surat Metro

Authorities have outlined the following timeline for the project:

  • Mid-2026: The first operational section between Sarthana and Dream City is expected to open for passengers
  • December 2027: Full completion of the entire Phase-1 metro network is targeted

Once completed, the metro system will provide faster travel across major residential and commercial areas of the city.

Underground Stations Currently Under Finishing Work

Some stations on the Red Line are located underground and are currently undergoing final interior work.

  • Surat Railway Station: The metro station here is being integrated with the Surat Railway Station as part of a Multi-Modal Integration hub. This will allow passengers to easily transfer between trains, buses, and metro services
  • Maskati Hospital Station: Structural construction has already been completed at this station. Work is now progressing on flooring, wall panels, and interior finishing
  • Chowk Bazaar Station: Following the tunnel breakthrough, engineers are focusing on concourse-level construction and station interior work

Elevated Stations Progress on the Red Line

Several elevated stations are also receiving finishing touches.

  • Dream City Station: This station will serve as the terminal station of the first operational stretch and is currently one of the most advanced sites
  • Kharwarnagar and Majura Gate: Construction activity remains intense at Majura Gate, which will act as the main interchange station connecting the Red and Green lines
  • Althan and Bhimrad: Exterior painting and station signage installation have already begun at these locations

Status of the Green Line Corridor

Construction on the Green Line is progressing steadily, although slightly behind the Red Line schedule.

  • Bhesan Depot: Work on the metro depot at Bhesan is nearing completion and will serve as the operational base for trains on this corridor
  • Adajan Gam and Aquatics Gallery Stations: Structural frameworks of these stations are largely complete, and platform construction work is currently underway

Proposed Metro Fare Structure

Officials have proposed a distance-based ticket pricing system similar to the Ahmedabad Metro. Expected fares include:

  • Minimum Fare: ₹10 for the first 2 km
  • Maximum Fare: ₹30 to ₹40 for longer journeys

Passengers will also be able to use a “Surat Connect” smart card, which is expected to offer around 10 percent discount on each trip.

Train Frequency and Operating Hours

During the initial phase of operations, the metro is expected to run with the following schedule:

  • Peak Hours: Trains every 8 to 10 minutes
  • Off-Peak Hours: Trains every 15 to 18 minutes
  • Operating Time: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily

Each train set will have three coaches with a capacity of approximately 700 to 900 passengers.

Entry and Exit Points at Surat Railway Station Metro Hub

The metro station near Surat Railway Station will feature multiple access points to allow smooth passenger movement.

  • Main Intermodal Gate: Located inside the Surat Railway Station complex, this entrance will allow passengers arriving by train to directly access the metro system
  • City Bus Terminal Gate: This gate will connect the metro station to the nearby GSRTC and SMC bus terminals, making transfers between bus and metro easier
  • Varachha / Station Road Gate: An exit point designed to serve the busy commercial and retail areas around Station Road
  • Lamberdar Gate Side: This entry and exit point will provide access to the eastern side of the railway tracks, including the Platform 4 side, through a subway or skywalk

Key Features of the Surat Metro Station Design

  • Underground Layout: The underground stations are being constructed using the cut-and-cover method. Each station will have a concourse level for ticketing and a platform level for boarding trains
  • Universal Accessibility: All metro stations will be equipped with lifts and escalators to ensure easy access for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers
  • Integrated Transport Hub: The metro station near Surat Railway Station is part of a ₹1,476 crore redevelopment project, which aims to transform the area into a modern, airport-style transport hub by late 2026

Future Impact on Surat’s Transportation

Once operational, the Surat Metro is expected to:

  • Reduce traffic congestion across the city
  • Improve connectivity between major residential and commercial zones
  • Provide faster travel between key areas such as Sarthana, Adajan, Athwalines, and Dream City

For a rapidly growing city like Surat, the metro system is likely to become an important part of daily urban transportation in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the first section of Surat Metro open?

The first operational section between Sarthana and Dream City is expected to open by mid-2026.

What are the two main corridors of Surat Metro Phase-1?

The project consists of the Red Line (Sarthana to Dream City) and the Green Line (Bhesan to Saroli).

How many stations will Surat Metro have?

Phase-1 will include 38 stations – 20 on the Red Line and 18 on the Green Line.

Where will the two metro lines connect?

Majura Gate will serve as the main interchange station connecting the Red and Green lines.

What will be the fare for Surat Metro?

The proposed fare structure is ₹10 for the first 2 km, with a maximum fare of ₹30 to ₹40 for longer journeys.

What is the total length of Surat Metro Phase-1?

The total network length is 40.35 km, including 6.47 km of underground section.

When will the entire Phase-1 be completed?

Full completion of the Phase-1 metro network is targeted for December 2027.

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