Dholera Smart City, located in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad district near the Gulf of Khambhat, is one of India’s most ambitious urban development projects. Envisioned as a major hub for innovation, manufacturing, and trading, the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) is being developed as a Greenfield Smart City, complete with state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic advantages that position it to become a key player in the country’s economic future. Spread across approximately 872 sq. km, with around 500 sq. km set aside for urban development, Dholera Smart City is designed to support a wide range of sectors, from residential and commercial areas to industrial zones and entertainment facilities.
The city’s strategic location plays a significant role in its potential. Being close to Ahmedabad, a city with a robust manufacturing sector, offers Dholera access to an established economic ecosystem and investment opportunities. Its proximity to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and key transportation routes, such as National Highway 8 and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway, and Ahmedabad – Dholera Expressway makes Dholera a highly connected region. Plans for a new international airport and port facilities further enhance its appeal, ensuring easy access for both national and international trade. The port will handle various types of cargo, including dry bulk, chemicals, and containers, while the airport is expected to connect Dholera to major cities across India and abroad.
Dholera Smart City is also focused on creating a comfortable and sustainable living environment for its residents. The project promises an exceptional “Ease of Living” experience through multi-purpose corridors, dedicated bicycle tracks, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and constant safety monitoring with CCTV cameras and an Intelligent Management System. The infrastructure is designed to offer modern amenities, clean roads, and accessible public services like hospitals, schools, and shopping areas, all aimed at providing residents with a high quality of life. The city is also planning to introduce a metro rail system to further improve connectivity with Ahmedabad and surrounding regions.
A key aspect of Dholera’s development is its focus on industrial growth. Out of the total land area, 14,000 hectares have been set aside for industrial use, making Dholera Developers a significant hub for manufacturing and exports. This industrial focus is expected to contribute significantly to India’s economic growth, with the aim of doubling job opportunities, tripling industrial output, and increasing exports from the region fourfold over the next five years. The city’s well-planned infrastructure, combined with the government’s support through the SIR Act 2009 and streamlined processes for business approvals, make Dholera a highly attractive destination for both domestic and international investors.
The Dholera Special Investment Region is also set to benefit from significant public and private investment, with companies like the J K Group and the Adani Group playing key roles in its development. Moreover, the Dholera Port is designed to accommodate various types of cargo, further strengthening the city’s position as a trade and logistics hub. The government has already allocated 1,700 hectares of land for the upcoming airport, and the construction of the central spine road is well underway. Anchor tenants are in place, and various studies, including those related to water logging, environmental impact, and seismology, are being conducted to ensure the project’s sustainability.