India’s march toward urban transformation has taken a bold leap with the emergence of Dholera Smart City – a master-planned, tech-enabled, and future-ready urban settlement. Located in Gujarat, Dholera is envisioned as India’s first and largest greenfield smart city under the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative. Spanning over 920 square kilometers and designed to be built in multiple phases, Dholera is not just another city project – it is the template for urban excellence that integrates infrastructure, environment, technology, and governance into one cohesive ecosystem.
In this article, we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Dholera Smart City – from its zoning, planning phases, economic advantages, and mega projects to the latest developments that make it a shining example of India’s urban future.
What is Dholera Smart City?
Dholera Smart City is a flagship urban development project initiated by the Government of Gujarat and the Central Government of India. Officially named Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), this city is located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad, strategically situated between Bhavnagar and the Gulf of Khambhat.
The smart city is expected to set a benchmark for other future cities in India. Its planning includes world-class infrastructure, pollution-free zones, integrated transportation systems, a massive industrial belt, and sustainable urban solutions.
Dholera is not just a place to live — it’s designed to be a thriving hub for industries, businesses, and global investments.
Vision Behind Dholera SIR
Dholera’s vision is rooted in creating an economic powerhouse that promotes:
- Clean and green urban growth
- Advanced digital infrastructure
- Industrial excellence
- Ease of doing business
- Resilient public services
As a special economic region under the Special Investment Region Act 2009, Dholera will enjoy several policy benefits, including self-governance for economic and administrative decision-making, single-window clearances, and fast-track project approvals.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
One of the most significant advantages of Dholera is its location on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) — a high-impact, 1500 km economic corridor supported by the Government of India.
Connectivity features include:
- Dholera International Airport (under construction)
- Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway (110 km stretch for fast access)
- Proposed seaport in the vicinity
- Metro Rail connectivity to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar
- Smart roads and internal transit systems
This multi-modal connectivity makes Dholera a vital logistics, industrial, and residential hub in Western India.
Phased Development Approach
Dholera Smart City is structured for development in three major phases and six town planning (TP) schemes. This phased approach ensures long-term growth, controlled investments, and the ability to adapt to future needs.
Phase 1: Activation Area (22.5 sq. km)
Currently in progress, Phase 1 comprises TP1 and TP2 with over 150 sq. km of land. This phase will feature:
- Residential housing
- Industrial parks
- Roads and utility corridors
- ABCD Building (Administrative & Business Centre)
- Greenfield Airport (Phase 1)
- Expressway connectivity
Phase 2 and 3
Once Phase 1 is fully functional, Phases 2 and 3 will be initiated, covering the remaining zones (TP3 to TP6). These phases will focus on expanding residential areas, IT zones, institutional buildings, and recreational hubs.
Estimated project completion timeline: 2042 or beyond, depending on market dynamics and infrastructure milestones.
Zoning and Land Use Planning
Dholera SIR is divided into specific functional zones to ensure organized development and optimized land use.
|
Zone |
Percentage Area |
|
Industrial |
47% |
|
Residential |
28% |
|
Community Facilities |
8% |
|
Roads |
6% |
|
High Access Corridors |
4% |
|
Tourism |
3% |
|
Recreation and Sports |
3% |
| Others |
1% |
This zoning ensures proper separation of functions while promoting mixed-use developments for live-work-play models.
Industrial Potential: A Hub for New India
One of the biggest focuses of Dholera Smart City is to establish itself as an industrial engine for the region. Backed by modern infrastructure, global standards, and strategic planning, Dholera is ideal for industries like:
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Defense Manufacturing
- Automotive and Ancillary Units
- Electronics and Semiconductors
- Agro & Food Processing
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Heavy Engineering
- Metallurgical Products
In fact, the city’s industrial land is expected to be in high demand due to abundant space, government subsidies, and robust logistics.
Key Infrastructure & Mega Projects
Dholera’s identity is being shaped by some of the most advanced infrastructure developments in India:
1. Dholera International Airport
Built near Navagam, this greenfield airport will have passenger and cargo terminals to serve domestic and global needs.
2. Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway
A high-speed corridor facilitating fast access to the city, reducing travel time to under an hour from Ahmedabad.
3. Dholera Metro Rail
A proposed rapid transit system that will link Dholera with Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
4. ABCD Building
The Administrative and Business Center of Dholera will act as the nerve center for governance, project monitoring, and service delivery.
5. Dholera Solar Park
One of India’s largest solar parks, targeting over 5000 MW of clean energy generation.
Smart Features and Facilities
Dholera will leverage smart technologies to make urban living sustainable, efficient, and resilient. Some of the advanced features include:
- 100% underground utilities (sewage, water, power)
- Smart water and energy meters
- Stormwater drainage and rainwater harvesting
- City-wide ICT (Information Communication Technology) system
- Waste recycling and treatment plants
- Dedicated cycling and pedestrian tracks
- Green mobility options
It will be one of the few cities in India designed for net-zero emissions, energy efficiency, and zero-waste goals.
Government Support & Investments
The Indian government, along with international and private sector players, is heavily investing in the Dholera SIR.
- ₹20,000 crore allocated for core infrastructure
- ₹7,000 crore for metro rail development
- ₹21,300 crore investment proposal by ISCON Group
- Multiple tenders awarded to L&T and Cube Construction
- Support from Japanese and Chinese industrial partners
This public-private synergy ensures that Dholera is not just visionary but also financially feasible.
Real Estate and Residential Boom
With massive investment and employment opportunities, Dholera is poised for a real estate boom. Residential zones will feature:
- Smart homes
- Affordable housing
- High-rise apartment complexes
- Schools, hospitals, malls, and entertainment hubs
The property rates in the region are still in their early stages, offering great long-term investment potential.
Citizen Portal and Services
To make services efficient and transparent, the Dholera Smart City has launched its own citizen portal:
🌐 https://dholera.gujarat.gov.in
Here, residents and investors can:
- Track project timelines
- Apply for land allotments
- Book site visits
- Monitor service updates
- Seek government support
The platform reflects the city’s commitment to digital governance and seamless service delivery.
Latest Development: Forest-Themed Township
In July 2024, SmartHomes Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. launched the Dholera Forest Estate, a forest-themed plotted township. Spread across 2.08 lakh square yards, it brings the concept of eco-living into the heart of a futuristic smart city, offering nature-based luxury living with solid returns for investors.
Why Invest in Dholera Smart City?
✅ Property appreciation potential is high
✅ World-class infrastructure in the making
✅ Strategic location along DMIC
✅ Seamless connectivity to cities and ports
✅ Industrial growth and job creation
✅ Greenfield planning with zero pollution
✅ Ease of doing business with regulatory support
✅ International partnerships fueling growth
With land prices already witnessing a 10x jump in the last decade, Dholera is rapidly emerging as one of the most rewarding real estate and industrial investment destinations in India.
Conclusion: The Future Begins in Dholera
Dholera Smart City is not just another infrastructure project — it is the embodiment of India’s vision for urban excellence, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Whether you’re an investor, industrialist, entrepreneur, or citizen looking for a next-gen living experience, Dholera holds the key to the future.
With robust government backing, futuristic planning, and strategic positioning, Dholera is all set to redefine the smart city narrative in India and become a model city on a global scale.
