The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2A project, a 6-km extension from Koteshwar Road to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,169 crore.Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project is aimed at strengthening urban mobility in Ahmedabad and improving connectivity to key infrastructure and development hubs, including the proposed Commonwealth Games facilities.Also Read: Union Cabinet passes resolution lauding PM Modi for becoming the longest-serving elected PMThe extension will connect the upcoming Commonwealth Enclave with the airport, providing seamless transit access for athletes, officials, visitors and residents. Ahmedabad is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.The project will comprise four elevated stations and one underground station and is expected to be completed over a four-year period. With the addition of the new corridor, Ahmedabad's metro network will expand to 78 km.According to details shared during the Cabinet briefing, the extension is expected to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and GIFT City and the international airport. The government said the corridor would also support multimodal integration with railways, bus terminals and other transport networks.The metro link is expected to serve key residential, industrial and commercial areas, including Sardar Nagar, Koteshwar, the Sabarmati riverfront region and adjoining growth centres.The government estimates that the project will generate employment for around 2,500 people during construction and operations while supporting planned urban development around the sports complex and Commonwealth Games infrastructure.Also Read: In graphic: How Union Cabinet's Rs 10,000-crore price stabilisation fund for aviation turbine fuel will workThe Ahmedabad Metro expansion was among projects worth Rs 4,703 crore approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, alongside the construction of central government office and residential complexes in Amaravati.