Dholera, located in Gujarat, is India’s first greenfield industrial smart city, developed as part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). It is designed to be a hub of economic, technological, and infrastructural excellence while maintaining environmental sustainability. Envisioned under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) is set to revolutionize industrial and urban development in India.
Key Features of Dholera Smart City
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 920 sq. km |
| Activation Area | 22.5 sq. km (90% completed) |
| Connectivity | Expressway, Metro Rail, International Airport, Seaport |
| Green Infrastructure | 5,000 MW solar power plant |
| Industries | Electronics, Aviation, Defense, Pharma, Auto, IT |
| Completion Timeline | Phase 1 by 2025, full completion by 2042 |
Technological Advancements in Dholera
Smart City Features
Dholera Smart City is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including an integrated command and control center, digital governance, and real-time monitoring of utilities. The city has also implemented ICT-enabled services to provide seamless operations in urban management, traffic control, and environmental sustainability.
Transportation and Connectivity
Dholera is designed to be well-connected to major cities and ports via:
- A 250-meter-wide expressway linking Ahmedabad to Dholera
- Metro rail connectivity between Ahmedabad and Dholera
- Dholera International Airport, catering to cargo and passenger flights
- Proximity to seaports, facilitating trade and logistics
These developments make Dholera a prime destination for both domestic and international businesses.
Economic and Industrial Growth
Major Industries in Dholera
The city has been divided into specialized industrial zones to promote various sectors, including:
- Electronics & IT – A hub for high-tech industries and startups
- Aviation & Aerospace – Hosting manufacturing and maintenance hubs
- Defense & Heavy Engineering – Promoting India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing
- Automobile & Ancillary Units – Ideal for electric vehicle production
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology – A boost for India’s growing pharma sector.
Investment & Business Potential
Dholera has become an attractive investment destination due to:
- Large land parcels available for industries (1 acre to 330 acres)
- Government incentives and tax benefits for businesses
- Plug-and-play infrastructure, reducing setup time for companies
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities, attracting global companies.
Sustainability & Green Development
Renewable Energy
Dholera is home to one of the world’s largest solar power plants (5,000 MW capacity), of which 1,000 MW is already operational. This initiative makes the city energy-efficient and self-sustaining.
Green Living & Eco-Friendly Design
- Green building standards ensure energy-efficient infrastructure
- Stormwater management system with rainwater harvesting
- Parks and recreational spaces for sustainable urban living.
Future Prospects & Completion Timeline
Dholera Smart City is being developed in phases:
- Phase 1 (2025) – Activation area with core infrastructure (95% complete)
- Phase 2 & 3 (2030) – Expansion of industrial zones and residential areas
- Phase 4 & 5 (2042) – Full completion with a thriving smart city ecosystem
