Vision Unveiled: Understanding Dholera Smart City
Envisioned as India’s first greenfield smart city, Dholera Smart City represents a quantum leap in urban planning and sustainable development. Located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, this ambitious project spans over 920 square kilometers – six times larger than Ahmedabad itself. Conceived under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative, Dholera aims to become a global manufacturing and trading hub powered by cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design.
The city’s blueprint integrates smart infrastructure at its core: an automated waste management system, dedicated utility corridors, IoT-enabled street lighting, and a central command center for real-time urban monitoring. Unlike traditional cities, Dholera prioritizes walkability through compact neighborhood design and features a flood-resilient elevation 2 meters above sea level. Its strategic coastal location near the Gulf of Khambhat positions it as a future logistics gateway, with plans for a deep-sea port complementing its industrial ambitions.
Backed by an estimated investment of $30 billion, the project emphasizes renewable energy adoption, water recycling systems, and green building standards. The development follows a phased approach, with the 22.5 sq km Activation Area currently under rapid construction as a proof-of-concept. When fully operational, Dholera is projected to accommodate over 2 million residents while generating 800,000 jobs, fundamentally transforming Gujarat’s economic landscape.
The Powerhouse: Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR)
The dholera SIR is the legal and administrative engine driving this megaproject. Established under the Gujarat Special Investment Region Act (GSIR), 2009, this designated zone offers unprecedented regulatory flexibility and investor incentives. Spanning 920 sq km across 22 villages, the SIR operates with its autonomous governance structure – the Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd (DICDL) – accelerating decision-making and permitting processes that typically delay large-scale developments.
Investors within the SIR benefit from world-class infrastructure and significant fiscal advantages: 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) allowance in manufacturing, exemption from electricity duty for 10 years, and capital subsidy for MSMEs. The zone specifically targets six high-growth sectors: precision engineering, IT/electronics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, alternative energy, and automotive manufacturing. Major corporations like Tata Group, Bosch, and Hitachi have already secured land parcels, signaling strong industry confidence.
The SIR’s development incorporates an innovative land-pooling model where farmers contribute land in exchange for developed residential/commercial plots plus annuity payments. This approach has facilitated the acquisition of 11,000 hectares with minimal displacement. The region’s master plan allocates 40% land for industrial use, 17% for residential, and 43% for green belts and public amenities – a deliberate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Connectivity and Current Progress: Where Vision Meets Reality
Dholera’s strategic connectivity framework is rapidly materializing, enhancing its investment appeal. The six-lane Dholera Expressway (currently 75% complete) will slash travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to just 75 minutes upon its 2024 inauguration. Rail connectivity advances through the dedicated freight corridor, while the upcoming Dholera International Airport – Gujarat’s second international aviation hub – recently received site clearance from the Ministry of Defence. Designed for 20 million annual passengers, the airport will feature cargo terminals aligned with the city’s export-oriented industries.
Recent project milestones underscore accelerating momentum: Over 30km of roads within the Activation Area are now operational, alongside completed trunk infrastructure for water, power, and data networks. The first phase of the 11,000 MW solar park – critical for powering the city – is commissioned. Construction has commenced on India’s first data center park, with companies like NTT planning $2 billion investments. Residential projects like Tata Housing’s “Sampurna” are underway, while the iconic Dholera Downtown commercial hub recently broke ground.
Government commitment remains robust with ₹3,800 crore allocated in Gujarat’s 2023-24 budget for enabling infrastructure. The city recently secured ₹1,000 crore from the Green Climate Fund for climate-resilient features. As global supply chains diversify, Dholera’s position strengthens – recent MoUs with Japanese tech firms and semiconductor manufacturers signal its emergence as a next-generation industrial ecosystem where smart infrastructure intersects with manufacturing excellence.
Novosibirsk-born data scientist living in Tbilisi for the wine and Wi-Fi. Anton’s specialties span predictive modeling, Georgian polyphonic singing, and sci-fi book dissections. He 3-D prints chess sets and rides a unicycle to coworking spaces—helmet mandatory.