The inaugural phase of the Dholera Industrial Smart City, located around 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad, is on the verge of completion, signifying a significant achievement in Gujarat’s industrial progress. Officials announced on Monday that the allocation of land for industries has already started, opening the door for increased international investments in the state.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, overseeing Progress and Infrastructure in Gujarat, visited the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) as part of preparations for the upcoming 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2024. During his visit, he assessed the advancements of the industrial smart city and its infrastructure projects. The DSIR is set to benefit significantly from the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), with 38% of the DFC traversing Gujarat over a distance of 565 kilometers.
Achievements in Phase 1
The initial phase of the project, covering 22.54 square kilometers, has achieved an impressive 95% completion rate. This remarkable progress paves the way for heightened global investments in Gujarat. Phase 1, also termed the activation area, includes designated zones for industries, residential spaces, mixed-use developments, recreation, social infrastructure, and tourism. Notably, land allocation for industries has commenced, featuring contiguous land parcels ranging from one acre to 330 acres and more.
Focus on Sustainable Development
During his visit, Chief Minister Patel underscored the pivotal role of sectors like semiconductors and green hydrogen in India’s sustainable and technology-driven development. In alignment with this vision, Phase 1 incorporates water management infrastructure, such as a 50 MLD water treatment plant, a Master Balancing Reservoir (MBR), Elevated Service Reservoirs, a 10 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and a 20 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). Monitored by the City Integrated Operations Center, this infrastructure caters to residential, commercial, and industrial water needs, contributing to the city’s self-sufficiency.
Energy and Connectivity
Addressing the city’s energy needs, Dholera’s 4,400 MW solar park, developed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) under the PPP model, stands as a transformative initiative. This project aligns with the national goal of achieving 250 GW of green energy by 2030. Furthermore, DSIR’s strategic location ensures excellent connectivity. A four-lane expressway connecting Dholera to Ahmedabad is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2024. Additionally, a planned metro rail system and a multi-modal transport system, including a regional goods corridor, public transport corridor, internal transport, Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), and Mass Rapid Transport (MRT), are in the pipeline.
Industrial Development and Investments
The approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bhimnath-Dholera Freight Rail Line facilitates efficient cargo movement. The Dholera International Airport, under construction, is scheduled to be operational for cargo movement by December 2025, with the capacity to handle 300,000 passengers and over 20,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Dholera SIR is set to propel India’s semiconductor and display industry with a dedicated “semicon city.” Key players like ReNew Power, Tata Chemicals Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd, and Torrent Power are contributing to the city’s development through various projects, ranging from renewable energy parks to manufacturing plants.
Solar Park and Coastal Regulation Zone
Recognizing the potential of renewable energy, more than 8,500 hectares of land in the Coastal Regulation Zone of DSIR have been earmarked for the development of a Solar Park. This initiative underscores the commitment to sustainable development and clean energy.
The Dholera Industrial Smart City project represents a transformative milestone in Gujarat’s industrial landscape, attracting global investments and fostering sustainable growth. With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and focus on cutting-edge industries, Dholera is positioned to emerge as a major economic hub in India.
