Dholera, India’s first greenfield smart city, is rapidly emerging as a significant industrial and economic hub in Gujarat. To support its growth, a robust air connectivity infrastructure is being developed to facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods. Air connectivity plays a crucial role in attracting businesses, investors, and tourists, making Dholera a key center for trade and commerce. The development of Dholera International Airport is a major step toward enhancing the region’s accessibility and positioning it as a global economic destination.
Importance of Air Connectivity for Dholera
Efficient air connectivity is essential for the growth of industries, trade, and tourism in any modern city. Dholera’s strategic location within the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) makes it a prime destination for industrial investments. A well-developed airport will:
- Boost industrial and commercial activities by enabling faster transportation of goods and raw materials.
- Attract multinational companies and investors looking for reliable air transport options.
- Enhance tourism and real estate development, making Dholera a preferred destination for businesses and residents.
- Provide quick connectivity to national and international destinations, reducing dependency on Ahmedabad Airport.
Dholera International Airport: A Game Changer
The Dholera International Airport (DIA) is the centerpiece of Dholera’s air connectivity infrastructure. The airport is being developed as a greenfield project and is designed to handle both domestic and international flights. It will be located approximately 80 km from Ahmedabad and will significantly ease air traffic congestion at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad.
Features of Dholera International Airport:
- World-Class Infrastructure – DIA is being developed with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern terminals, cargo handling, and advanced navigation systems.
- Two Runways for High-Capacity Operations – The airport will feature two runways, allowing it to handle a large volume of passenger and cargo flights.
- Dedicated Cargo Terminal – To support industrial and logistics activities, a dedicated cargo terminal will facilitate the movement of goods and exports.
- Eco-Friendly Design – The airport will incorporate sustainable features such as renewable energy sources and water conservation systems.
- Connectivity to Major Transport Networks – DIA will be seamlessly connected to the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, the proposed metro system, and rail networks for easy accessibility.
Current Status of Dholera International Airport
The development of Dholera International Airport is progressing in multiple phases. The project has received necessary approvals from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India (AAI). The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by 2025, with initial operations focusing on domestic flights. As the city grows, the airport will expand its capacity to accommodate international flights and cargo operations.
The Gujarat government and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) are actively involved in ensuring the timely completion of the airport. Land acquisition and groundwork have already been completed, and construction activities are in full swing.
Air Connectivity Benefits for Business and Industry
The presence of an international airport in Dholera will significantly benefit industries and businesses by:
- Reducing transit time for goods and exports, making supply chains more efficient.
- Attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) by providing direct connectivity to global markets.
- Supporting sectors like tourism, IT, and manufacturing by offering faster and more reliable transportation.
- Encouraging business travel and international collaborations, strengthening Dholera’s position as a global business hub.
Integration with Other Modes of Transport
To maximize the efficiency of air connectivity, Dholera International Airport is being integrated with other transportation networks, including:
- Expressway Connectivity – The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway will provide seamless road access to the airport.
- Rail Connectivity – The proposed Ahmedabad-Dholera high-speed rail corridor will enable passengers to reach the airport conveniently.
- Metro and Public Transport – Plans are in place to link the airport with the proposed Ahmedabad-Dholera metro system for easy access to urban areas.
- Logistics and Freight Hubs – Dedicated cargo terminals will be linked to sea ports and industrial zones to facilitate trade.
Future Expansion Plans
As Dholera grows into a global economic hub, the Dholera International Airport will undergo phased expansions to meet increasing demand. Future plans include:
- Expanding runways and terminals to handle a larger volume of flights.
- Introducing direct international flights to connect Dholera with major business destinations worldwide.
- Enhancing air cargo infrastructure to support industries such as automobile, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Developing commercial zones around the airport to attract aviation-related businesses, logistics companies, and hospitality services.
