Dholera Smart City Ahemdabad – India’s First Planned Greenfield Smart City

Introduction to What is Dholera Smart City?

Dholera Smart City is India’s first planned Greenfield smart city. It sits in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad district and covers 920 square kilometers between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar. The project is part of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC), a big government plan to grow India’s economy. The city brings together industries, transport systems, and housing using smart planning and clean technology.
The Central and Gujarat Governments are working together to build Dholera Smart City. Its progress is managed by the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) and Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL). As a Greenfield project, it started on empty land. From day one, the city got smart power systems, solar energy setups, and waste solutions with automation.
The city aims to attract global companies and investors. It gives high-quality infrastructure, steady utilities, and easy access to roads, ports, and railways. The main focus areas are factories, IT hubs, and green energy projects. Its place near the DMIC—a 1,500 km long industrial zone—means quick links to key ports and highways.
Dholera SIR Smart City wants to change how Indian cities are built. It uses eco-friendly systems, works with smart methods, and has room to grow. The development is happening in steps and supports India’s goal for modern cities and strong economic progress.

The Vision Behind Dholera SIR Region

The Dholera Smart City plan is set to increase India’s economy by turning 920 sq km in Gujarat into a top global hub for manufacturing and exports. The project targets major growth by 2040—aiming to double jobs, triple factory output, and make exports four times bigger. This development is backed by the Special Investment Region (SIR) Act 2009. It’s being handled by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and is part of the bigger Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), helping improve transport, logistics, and energy systems.

The idea came from Gujarat’s long-term growth plans, with a focus on clean growth, smart city management, and boosting industries like electronics, green energy, and car manufacturing. Dholera is being built step by step and supports national projects like Make in India. It also promotes digital systems for smoother approvals and better use of solar power. A 2014 report by the Gujarat government said Dholera is made to be “efficient, scalable, and globally competitive,” and aims to cut red tape by 40% using smart technology (NICDC, 2023). By 2040, Dholera SIR Smart City will include a special goods train line, solar power plants, and a new airport to help exports. With steady policies and planned growth, Dholera sets a clear model for modern industry in India that supports both economic goals and care for the environment.

Strategic Location and Connectivity of Dholera Smart City

Dholera Smart City, a cornerstone of India’s urban development, is strategically positioned in Gujarat to maximize industrial, commercial, and residential growth. Its proximity to the Gulf of Khambhat and integration with national highways, rail networks, airports, and ports make it a logistics powerhouse. Below, we break down its multi-modal connectivity, backed by data, to highlight why it’s a top choice for investors and businesses.

Road Connectivity

Dholera’s road infrastructure ensures swift access to prime economic hubs.

Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway: A 109-km, six-lane expressway (93% complete) will slash travel time to 40–45 minutes at 120 km/h, linking Dholera to Ahmedabad by 2025.
National Highways: Direct access to NH-8 (Delhi-Mumbai) and NH-8A (Ahmedabad-Rajkot) streamlines interstate freight movement.
Golden Quadrilateral Integration: Part of India’s largest highway network, connecting Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi.

Rail Connectivity

Dholera’s rail network prioritizes industrial and passenger efficiency.

Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC): Direct link to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), reducing cargo transit time by 40%.
Existing Rail Links: Broad-gauge lines connect to Bhavnagar (34 km) and Tarapur (103 km), serving industrial zones.
Future Metro Rail: A proposed metro line will link Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Dholera, easing daily commutes.

Air Connectivity

Dholera International Airport at Navagam will transform regional and global access.

Capacity: Phase-1 targets 5 million passengers annually, scaling to 50 million by 2040.
Cargo Hub: Specialized terminals for pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics to boost exports.
Proximity: Located 80 km from Ahmedabad Airport, offering interim travel options until 2025.
Fact: The airport’s 3,600-meter runway will accommodate Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Sea Connectivity

Dholera’s coastal location offers unmatched maritime trade advantages.

Major Ports: Kandla (130 km), Pipavav (110 km), and Mundra (150 km) handle 60% of Gujarat’s cargo.
Future Port Plans: A dedicated cargo terminal at Dholera, integrated with the Sagarmala Project, will reduce port transit time by 25%.
Coastal Trade: The Gulf of Khambhat enables cost-effective shipping to ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets.
Stat: Mundra Port’s 18-meter draft supports Panamax vessels, ideal for heavy machinery imports.

Summary
Dholera Smart City’s road, rail, air, and sea networks position it as India’s next mega logistics hub. With the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway (2025 launch), metro rail plans, a 50-million-capacity airport, and proximity to Gujarat’s busiest ports, the city ensures unmatched connectivity for industries and residents. Investors should monitor infrastructure updates to capitalize on its growth. For businesses, Dholera’s DMIC integration and Sagarmala linkages offer a 20–30% cost advantage over competing hubs.

Infrastructure Development in Dholera Sir Smart City

Trunk Infrastructure under TPs

The Town Planning Schemes of Dholera (TP1 and TP2) cover a combined activation area of 22.5 sq. km, where most of the core infrastructure is already developed and operational. Under TP2 alone, 72 km of roads have been laid with integrated utility corridors. These roads are equipped with LED street lighting, stormwater drainage, and ICT ducts, designed to ensure efficient city management and mobility.

Smart Utilities & Underground Networks

Dholera’s hallmark lies in its smart utility framework. All essential services—including potable water supply, sewerage, recycled water, gas pipelines, power supply, and telecom networks—are laid through underground utility ducts. This results in a clean, clutter-free cityscape and enables quick, cost-effective maintenance.
Power infrastructure is built for high efficiency and low transmission loss, featuring dedicated substations and smart metering. A cutting-edge SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system ensures real-time monitoring and automated control of water, power, and waste utilities, enhancing resilience and responsiveness.

The ABCD Building – Command & Control Hub

At the heart of Dholera’s urban intelligence lies the ABCD Building (Administration and Business Centre of Dholera). Acting as the command and control center, it manages all city operations—from infrastructure systems to emergency response. This smart building serves as the administrative headquarters and a business facilitation zone, welcoming global investors and businesses.

Infrastructure Components Snapshot

Component	Status in TP1/TP2 Area
Roads & LED Street Lights	72 km developed in TP2
Underground Utility Ducts	Ready with multi-service capability
Water & Sewerage System	Fully integrated
SCADA System	Operational
Power Transmission	Substations & smart grid enabled
ABCD Building	Functional

Important Projects Growing Dholera Smart City

ABCD Building – Central Admin HQ & SCADA Control Center

The ABCD Building (Administrative and Business Centre of Dholera) stands as the nerve center of Dholera Smart City operations. Strategically located in Town Planning Scheme 2, it serves as the central command hub for governance, planning, and real-time infrastructure monitoring via the SCADA system. This integrated smart facility oversees utilities, transport, and urban services, ensuring seamless coordination across sectors. As the first completed structure in the city, it symbolizes the operational readiness and seriousness of the Dholera SIR mission. The building’s successful implementation sets the tone for other mega projects in Dholera Smart City, demonstrating the city’s capacity to deliver futuristic infrastructure on schedule.

Dholera International Airport – ₹1,300+ Cr, Multi-Phase, 50M Pax

The Dholera International Airport, under development near Navagam village, is a critical enabler for international trade, tourism, and industrial growth in the region. Spread across 1,427 hectares, the airport is being developed with a total capacity to handle 50 million passengers per year, making it one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects. The ₹1,378 crore first phase, led by Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), is already under execution with expected operational readiness by 2026. This airport will significantly boost accessibility to all Tata Dholera projects, the semiconductor hub, and surrounding economic zones, reinforcing Dholera’s role as a global investment destination.

5000 MW Solar Park – ₹25,000 Cr, Tata Power, 11,000 Hectares

The Dholera Solar Park is one of India’s most ambitious renewable energy endeavors, covering 11,000 hectares and designed for a total capacity of 5,000 MW. Tata Power and other top players are spearheading the investment of ₹25,000 crore into this green energy hub. Phase 1, comprising 300 MW, is already operational, supplying clean energy to the grid and industries within Dholera SIR. Positioned as a backbone of the region’s power infrastructure, the Solar Park in Dholera aligns with India’s national solar mission and reinforces the area’s sustainability credentials, making it a magnet for eco-conscious industries and future-ready investors.

Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway – To Be Operational in 2025

The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is a game-changer in regional connectivity, dramatically reducing travel time between Ahmedabad and the Dholera SIR. This 109 km, 6-lane (expandable to 12 lanes) expressway is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana and is being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Scheduled to be operational by mid-2025, it is expected to catalyze growth across all Dholera mega projects, including the airport, solar park, and semiconductor zone. With faster logistics, smoother trade movement, and enhanced investor access, this expressway is a critical infrastructural artery for Dholera’s future.

Metro Rail Connectivity – 100 km Proposed (Phase 1: 61.55 km)

The proposed Dholera Metro Rail project is a futuristic urban transit system aimed at seamlessly linking Dholera with Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Phase 1 includes a 61.55 km stretch between Ahmedabad and Dholera with an estimated cost of over ₹6,000 crore. This metro corridor is expected to improve commuter convenience and support the growing workforce of Dholera’s industrial and residential zones. Once operational, it will act as a sustainable, high-speed alternative to road travel, reducing congestion and carbon emissions. The Dholera metro project plays a strategic role in urban integration, making the smart city more livable and accessible.

Semiconductor & Chip Manufacturing Hub – ₹1.26 Lakh Cr (Tata, PSMC, Himax)

Dholera is emerging as India’s largest semiconductor hub, with Tata Group, Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC), and Himax Technologies planning to invest over ₹1.26 lakh crore in a state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facility. Located within the Dholera SIR industrial zone, this chip manufacturing ecosystem is a cornerstone of India’s strategic push for electronics self-reliance. The Tata semiconductor project in Dholera will generate thousands of high-skill jobs and boost downstream industries, including AI, telecom, and automotive electronics. This global-scale initiative will cement Dholera’s position as the next-gen electronics manufacturing hub, attracting top-tier foreign direct investment (FDI) and innovation leaders.

Land Use and Zoning in Dholera SIR

Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), envisioned as India’s first and largest greenfield smart city, follows a scientifically structured land use and zoning plan that ensures organized, future-ready urban development. Spread across 35,000 hectares, Dholera SIR is divided into processing and non-processing zones, meticulously outlined through a set of six Town Planning (TP) schemes.

Dholera Land Zoning: A Smart Urban Blueprint

To accommodate rapid industrialization, smart urbanization, and sustainable living, Dholera’s land use is categorized into the following zones:

Residential Zone: Strategically located to offer easy access to workplaces and civic amenities, these areas support low-, mid, and high-density housing.
Commercial Zone: Designed to be vibrant hubs for business, trade, and service industries, these zones are located along arterial roads and City centers.
Industrial Zone: One of the largest allocations, these zones support manufacturing, engineering, electronics, and heavy industries, attracting both domestic and global players.
Logistics Zone: Seamlessly connected to Dholera International Airport and Expressways, this zone is meant for freight corridors, warehouses, and distribution hubs.
Tourism and Recreation
Zone: Coastal and greenbelt areas are reserved for eco-tourism, hotels, and cultural centers, preserving the region’s environmental balance.
Solar and Renewable Energy Zone: Aligned with Gujarat’s renewable vision, dedicated areas of power Dholera’s clean energy goals with large-scale solar parks.
IT and Knowledge Zone: Ideal for IT parks, R&D centers, and innovation hubs, these areas cater to the needs of the digital economy and startups.

Processing vs Non-Processing Areas

Out of the total 35,000 hectares, around 14,000 hectares fall under the processing area—the core region for economic and industrial activity. The non-processing area includes support infrastructure like housing, education, healthcare, and recreational spaces. This bifurcation ensures balanced development and economic focus while offering a high quality of life for residents and workers.

Town Planning Schemes: The Engine of Dholera's Growth

The Gujarat Government, through the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA), has implemented six TP schemes to facilitate planned urban growth. These are:

TP1 to TP4: Together covering a significant portion of the activation area, they lay the groundwork for early industrial and residential development.
TP5: Spanning approximately 75 sq. km, TP5 includes around 853 plots, offering immense potential for industrial and real estate investors.
TP6: Covering about 67 sq. km, TP6 features 612 plots, well-suited for mixed-use development, including residential, logistics, and commercial spaces.

In total, the six town planning schemes cover nearly 130 sq. km of Dholera SIR, strategically aligned with core infrastructure like roads, water supply, ICT, and power grids.

Why Zoning Matters for Investors

Understanding Dholera TP schemes, zoning regulations, and land use planning helps investors make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking for Dholera real estate plots, launching an industrial unit, or entering the smart city as a service provider, the zoning map gives you clarity and confidence.

Why Dholera is the Best Investment Opportunity in India

Dholera City is not just a city of the future—it’s India’s smartest investment zone today. Backed by the Government of India as the country’s first and largest greenfield smart city, Dholera SIR is drawing global attention and massive capital inflow. If you’re looking to invest in Dholera, here’s why this moment presents an unmatched opportunity:

Important Investment Highlights

Early Mover Advantage: Investors entering now benefit from strategically low entry costs, with prices still in the early development phase, offering a rare window before the value appreciates exponentially.
High ROI Potential: Analysts project multi-fold returns by 2030, as major infrastructure and industrial projects reach completion. The ₹35,984 Cr investment already received in 2024 is just the beginning.
Infrastructure Backed by ₹3,000 Cr Govt Funding: Roads, underground utilities, 5G connectivity, and plug-and-play industrial zones are ready or under rapid development.
Presence of Global Giants: Industry leaders like Vedanta-Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Powerchip Taiwan have already chosen Dholera for their semiconductor and electronics units, creating jobs and long-term demand for real estate.
Attractive Government Incentives: Subsidies, tax breaks, and single-window clearance make Dholera property for sale more accessible and rewarding for early investors.
Whether you’re planning to diversify your portfolio or secure long-term gains, Dholera real estate investment offers a smart, future-proof opportunity that few other cities can match.

Discover Dholera Smart City Through Images

Browse images of Dholera Smart City’s development—from modern roads and smart infrastructure to upcoming metro lines, airport, solar park, and iconic government and industrial zones.

FAQs About Dholera Smart City

How is Dholera Smart City different from other cities?

Unlike traditional cities that expand over time, Dholera is a pre-planned smart city with advanced infrastructure built from the ground up. It features integrated ICT systems, 100% green energy goals, faster clearances, and dedicated industrial zones. It’s designed to decongest overcrowded metros and offer smart mobility, underground utilities, and real-time governance. That’s what makes Dholera different from other cities—it’s future-ready, investor-friendly, and backed by massive government support under the DMIC project.

What is the current investment opportunity in Dholera?

Right now, Dholera offers one of India’s best early-stage investment opportunities. With its Activation Area already operational and projects like expressways and the international airport underway, prices are still affordable for early investors. From industrial land to residential plots, returns are expected to multiply as development progresses. If you’re searching for how to invest in Dholera, now is the time—before the infrastructure boom fully unfolds and prices skyrocket.

When will Dholera SIR be fully developed?

Dholera SIR development is planned in phases. The first phase—known as the Activation Area—is already functional, while full city development is expected by 2040. Infrastructure like roads, stormwater drains, and the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway are under rapid execution. While a complete smart city status will take time, opportunities and infrastructure are already growing. So if you’re curious about Dholera development status, it’s not just a vision—it’s actively being built.

What is the plot rate in Dholera today?

As of 2025, Dholera plot rates vary depending on the location and type of property. Residential plots in TP2 and TP4 zones start from ₹2500 – ₹8000 per sq. yard onwards. while commercial and industrial plots command higher rates. The Activation Area, due to its proximity to early development, has seen a surge in interest. As connectivity improves, especially with the upcoming airport, rates are expected to climb steadily, making it a prime spot for early investors.

Is Dholera suitable for industrial investment?

Absolutely. Dholera is specially designed to be an industrial magnet. With dedicated industrial zones, plug-and-play infrastructure, uninterrupted power, and fast-tracked approvals, it’s already attracting investors in renewable energy, EV, pharma, and logistics. It’s also part of the DMIC, which ensures global connectivity and government support. If you’re looking into industrial investment in Dholera, the city ticks every box for long-term growth and ease of doing business.

What are the transport links in Dholera?

Dholera boasts excellent multi-modal connectivity. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, currently under construction, will drastically reduce travel time. The Dholera International Airport is in advanced stages of development and will connect the city globally. Plus, a proposed metro rail and logistics hubs will make movement seamless. With proximity to major ports and NH-8, transport links in Dholera are designed to support both residents and industries with world-class efficiency.

Who is building Dholera International Airport?

The Dholera International Airport is being developed by the Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL)—a joint venture between the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Government of Gujarat, and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). The project aims to support the growing passenger and cargo demands of Dholera Smart City. So, if you’re asking who is building Dholera airport, it’s a government-backed, large-scale initiative with strong infrastructure funding.

Can NRIs invest in Dholera Smart City?

Yes, NRIs can easily invest in Dholera, just like in any other approved real estate project in India. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial property, NRIs can buy land with proper documentation and payment through NRO/NRE accounts. Many developers in Dholera also offer virtual site visits and end-to-end assistance for overseas investors. If you’re an NRI wondering how to invest in Dholera, the process is simple, legal, and full of long-term potential. For more details, visit this link to get more information about Dholera NRI Investment.

What is the Dholera Activation Area?

The Dholera Activation Area refers to the 22.5 sq. km section within the Dholera SIR (Special Investment Region) that’s prioritized for early development. It’s already seeing on-ground infrastructure like roads, water treatment, drainage systems, and investor activity. This area is meant to attract initial industries, residents, and services, creating momentum for the larger smart city project. It’s the launchpad for Dholera’s growth and a hotspot for early real estate investment.

Plan Your Site Visit or Book a Plot Today

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