The Vision Behind Dholera Smart City and Its Transformative Potential
Envisioned as India’s first greenfield smart city, Dholera represents a quantum leap in urban planning and sustainable development. Located 110 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, this ambitious project spans over 920 square kilometers – twice the size of Mumbai. Conceived under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) is strategically positioned to become a global manufacturing and trading hub. The masterplan integrates cutting-edge technology with eco-conscious design, featuring dedicated utility corridors, automated waste management, and renewable energy integration.
What sets Dholera Smart City apart is its phased development approach. The initial activation area covers 22.5 sq km, serving as the proving ground for its smart infrastructure blueprint. This includes an underground utility corridor consolidating power, water, and data networks – eliminating road-digging disruptions. The city’s design emphasizes walkability, 24/7 water supply, and zero-liquid discharge systems. As a Special Investment Region, it operates under a unique regulatory framework offering single-window clearances and streamlined approvals, attracting both domestic and international investors seeking opportunities in next-generation urban infrastructure.
The proximity to Dholera Ahmedabad connectivity corridors is accelerating development momentum. The upcoming Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway will slash travel time to 75 minutes, while the high-speed rail link will integrate it with India’s bullet train network. This strategic positioning transforms Dholera from an isolated project into an extension of Gujarat’s economic powerhouse. The city’s zoning allocates 40% area to industrial use, 17% to residential, and 22% to commercial spaces, creating a self-sustained ecosystem where people can live, work, and thrive without enduring exhausting commutes.
Game-Changing Infrastructure: From Airport to Automated Systems
At the core of Dholera’s appeal is its world-class infrastructure development. The upcoming Dholera International Airport is being developed as India’s largest greenfield airport, spanning 1,426 hectares. Designed for 20 million annual passengers initially with expansion capability for 80 million, this aviation hub will feature dual runways handling Airbus A380 aircraft. Its strategic location positions it as a cargo gateway for industrial units within the SIR and manufacturing clusters across Gujarat. Construction has commenced with Phase-1 targeted for operational status by 2026, transforming regional connectivity.
Transportation networks form another critical pillar. The city incorporates a grid-based road network with intelligent traffic management systems, reducing congestion through real-time monitoring. Metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems will provide last-mile connectivity within the city. Meanwhile, the nearby Dholera Port development will create direct access to international shipping routes. Water security is ensured through the filling of Samurai Bandar creek, creating a 11-km waterfront and freshwater reservoir. Power infrastructure includes a dedicated 400KV substation and mandatory solar installations on industrial units, aligning with the city’s net-zero emissions target.
Digital infrastructure rivals global standards, with a city-wide fiber optic network enabling IoT applications. Automated systems will monitor everything from street lighting to sewage treatment, while central command centers will process real-time data for efficient resource allocation. The smart city project in Gujarat Dholera incorporates district cooling systems reducing energy consumption by 40-50% compared to conventional AC. These integrated systems create a template for future Indian cities – proving that sustainable development and industrial growth aren’t mutually exclusive objectives.
Investment Surge and Real-Time Development Milestones
Dholera SIR has emerged as a magnet for global capital, with committed investments exceeding ₹80,000 crore across multiple sectors. Electronics manufacturing forms a crucial cluster, with semiconductor giants exploring fabrication plants leveraging the city’s uninterrupted power and water supply. The automotive sector sees major players acquiring land parcels for EV manufacturing units, while Japanese consortiums are developing industrial townships. The government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes further enhance Dholera’s appeal for export-oriented manufacturing.
Recent dholera smart city project update confirms accelerated on-ground progress. Over 1,200 hectares have been leveled and readied for allotment in the first phase, with trunk infrastructure including roads, water pipelines, and power distribution networks nearing completion. The Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL) reports 100% allocation of Phase-1 plots, with companies like Hindustan Semiconductor commencing construction. Residential projects are simultaneously advancing, with townships offering integrated amenities attracting workforce migration. The government’s ₹3,500 crore commitment for water management infrastructure underscores the project’s momentum.
Investor confidence stems from tangible policy advantages. The Special Investment Zone status provides 50-year development rights, exemption from stamp duty, and simplified labor compliance. For foreign investors, 100% FDI through automatic route is permitted across most sectors. The Gujarat government’s dedicated Dholera SIR Act offers dispute resolution mechanisms and development assurance bonds. As physical and digital infrastructure converges, early investors are positioned to capitalize on first-mover advantages in what’s projected to become a $90 billion economic engine supporting 8 lakh jobs by 2040.
Cairo-born, Barcelona-based urban planner. Amina explains smart-city sensors, reviews Spanish graphic novels, and shares Middle-Eastern vegan recipes. She paints Arabic calligraphy murals on weekends and has cycled the entire Catalan coast.
