Socioeconomic and Spatial Impacts of High-Speed Rail on Enterprises: An Ex-Ante Case Study of Ahmedabad Station Area, India

Growth benefits of high speed rail (HSR) for enterprises are not automatic, but require a buoyant local economy and robust strategy. Against the above background, main objectives ex-ante case study have been to investigate socio-economic spatial impacts proposed HSR project around Ahmedabad station area on Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, analyze opportunities challenges development draw policy implications. Qualitative research methodology has used elicit perceptions perspectives randomly selected 43 small, medium large enterprises. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics. The reveals that induced greater human interaction will activate economy, improve business efficiency generate employment. Frequent travels trips can influence enterprises' decision settle near stations easy access likely promote realty development. should be developed in synergy with urban dynamics cities transition metropolitan service cities. Poor public transport connectivity is major challenge improving accessibility enhancing overall HSR, which improved by developing an integrated system, cooperation all stakeholders coherence firms' strategies essential.