Dholera Industrial Smart City Nears Completion, Poised for Global Investments

Gandhinagar, December 18: The first phase of the Dholera Industrial Smart City, situated approximately 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad, is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in Gujarat's industrial development. Officials announced on Monday that land allotment for industries has already commenced, paving the way for increased global investments in the state.

Representative image

Progress and Infrastructure

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) as part of preparations for the upcoming 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. During his visit, he inspected the progress of the industrial smart city and its infrastructure projects. The DSIR is poised to benefit immensely from the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), with 38% of the DFC traversing Gujarat for a distance of 565 kilometers.

Phase 1 Achievements

The first phase of the project, spanning an area of 22.54 square kilometers, has achieved an impressive 95% completion rate. This remarkable progress sets the stage for increased global investments in Gujarat. Phase 1, also known as the activation area, encompasses designated zones for industries, residential spaces, mixed-use developments, recreation, social infrastructure, and tourism. Notably, land allotment for industries has already begun, with contiguous land parcels ranging from one acre to 330 acres and more.

Sustainable Development Focus

During his visit, Chief Minister Patel emphasized the pivotal role of sectors such as semiconductors and green hydrogen in India's sustainable and technology-driven development. In line with this vision, Phase 1 of the development incorporates water management infrastructure, including 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 requirements, Dholera's 4,400 MW solar park, being developed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) under the PPP model, stands as a game-changer. 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 metro rail system is planned, along with a multi-modal transport system encompassing a regional goods corridor, public transport corridor, internal transport, Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), and Mass Rapid Transport (MRT).

Industrial Development and Investments

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bhimnath-Dholera Freight Rail Line has been approved, facilitating efficient cargo movement. The Dholera International Airport is also under construction and is scheduled to be operational for cargo movement by December 2025. This airport will have the capacity to handle 300,000 passengers and over 20,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Dholera SIR is poised to advance India's semiconductor and display industry with a dedicated "semicon city." ReNew Power, a leading renewable energy park developer, is constructing a solar module and cell manufacturing plant on 100 acres. Tata Chemicals Ltd is establishing a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant on 126 acres. Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd is developing fuel stations and electric vehicle charging stations in the activation area. Torrent Power has established a power distribution network to meet industrial power requirements in Dholera.

Solar Park and Coastal Regulation Zone

Recognizing the potential of renewable energy, over 8,500 hectares of land in the Coastal Regulation Zone of DSIR have been identified for the development of a Solar Park. This initiative further 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 poised to emerge as a major economic hub in India.