Why Dholera SIR
Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) is India's first Greenfield-Industrial Smart City
Scale & Governance
Spanning approximately 920 km², Dholera SIR is being developed in phases under the governance of the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) and implemented by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) DICDL—a strategic joint venture between the Gujarat government (DSIRDA) and the Indian government (DMIC Trust).
Strategic Location & Connectivity
Located ~100 km southwest of Ahmedabad and strategically positioned between Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, this landmark project lies squarely on the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)—a centerpiece for future industrial and economic growth.
Infrastructure & Urban Design
Dholera features meticulously planned town planning schemes (TP1–TP6) covering residential, industrial, commercial, civic, and green zones. The region boasts plug-and-play infrastructure, including administrative hubs (like the ABCD Building), integrated utilities, and robust public services.
Connectivity Enhancements
Connectivity is anchored by the operational 109 km Ahmedabad–Dholera Greenfield Expressway (NE-8), built by NHAI at approx ₹5,800 Cr, which cuts travel time to Ahmedabad from 2 hr 15 min down to just 45 minutes (with an interchange at km 67 dedicated to the airport). Complementing this, Dholera International Airport has achieved 80% overall construction with a completed 3,200 m runway, 100% completed ATC tower, and a successful test landing in June 2026.
Sustainability & Smart Governance
Dholera is India’s first IGBC Platinum-rated Greenfield Smart City, integrating eco-conscious planning elements such as solar energy, water recycling, stormwater drainage systems, smart utilities, and AI-enabled city-management systems.
Economic Focus & Sectoral Growth
Designed as a green industrial and manufacturing hub, Dholera is targeting diverse sectors such as aerospace, defense, electronics, pharmaceuticals, solar, agro-processing, and high-tech manufacturing. Its embeddedness within the DMIC ensures logistic efficiency, port access, and a business-friendly ecosystem with single-window clearances.
Dholera SIR is no longer just a plan — it’s becoming a hub for large industrial and renewable projects that materially strengthen its investment case. Major, market-leading players have chosen Dholera for large-scale clean energy and advanced manufacturing activity.
Industrial Momentum & Cleantech
Leading global enterprises driving local infrastructure development
Tata Power
300 MW Solar Park: Tata Power Renewable Energy commissioned a 300 MW ground-mounted solar plant in Dholera in 2022. The scale and grid-tie of this project demonstrate the area’s readiness for large utility projects.
ReNew
Solar Manufacturing Presence: ReNew has announced solar-component and module manufacturing activity that includes Dholera among its facility locations—boosting the clean-energy ecosystem, local manufacturing, and jobs.
Fujifilm
Semiconductor Materials: Fujifilm Electronic Materials is actively exploring a factory in Dholera (Semicon India 2025 announcements), signaling strong confidence from advanced advanced manufacturing supply-chain players.
India’s Semiconductor Nerve Center
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Massive Scale & Tech Capability
With a production capacity of 50,000 wafers per month, the fab will manufacture chips in the 28–55 nm range—supplying power ICs, microcontrollers, display drivers, and logic chips.
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Major Economic & Social Impact
Operational by late 2026, this venture will generate high-value jobs and spur demand for housing. The Gujarat government is already developing 1,500 apartments to support the initial workforce.
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Ecosystem Cluster Boost
Major semiconductor supply-chain players like Tokyo Electron are already setting up offices in Dholera to serve the fab's equipment needs—reinforcing the tech cluster.
Airport-Driven Investment Momentum
Dholera’s connectivity is anchored by two transformative catalysts: the operational 109 km Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway (NE-8) and the rapidly advancing Dholera International Airport (80% constructed).
Reviewed on-site by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on 14 July 2026, the airport has completed its 3,200 m runway, taxiway, and ATC tower, following a successful test landing in June 2026. Seamlessly integrated via an interchange at Km 67 of the operational NE-8 expressway, this multimodal hub slashes transit times, accelerates aerospace & semiconductor logistics, and provides tremendous appreciation tailwinds for strategic land investors.
Airport Status (Official MoCA Data)
Overall Progress: 80% | Runway (3,200 m): 100% | Taxiway: 100% | ATC Tower: 100% | Passenger Terminal: 75%.
Reviewed by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on 14 July 2026, the airfield proved its readiness with a successful June 2026 test landing. A dedicated 2,500 m² cargo terminal is under development alongside future MRO and aerospace facilities. (No official opening date announced to date.)
Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway (NE-8)
Inaugurated & operational on 31 March 2026, this 109.019 km greenfield access-controlled expressway (NE-8 by NHAI, ₹5,800 Cr, provision for 8 lanes) slashes travel time from Ahmedabad to Dholera from 2 hr 15 min to just 45 minutes (and Ahmedabad–Bhavnagar to 1 hr 45 min). Features an interchange at Km 67 connecting directly to the airport, with September 2026 tenders invited for Ahmedabad's SP Ring Road link.
Dholera Development Roadmap
Tracing the transition from a smart city plan to an industrial reality
Dholera's progression represents a real infrastructure narrative. Drag or scroll horizontally to explore the timeline of early policy phases, development setbacks, clean energy utility rollouts, and the upcoming airport and semiconductor hub activations.
Declaration of Dholera SIR & Master Plan
The Government of Gujarat declared the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) along with its Master Plan, laying the first stone for a globally connected economic hub.
Formation of DSIR Development Authority
The DSIR Development Authority (DSIRDA) was formed to plan, regulate, and execute the city’s development — becoming the central engine of progress.
Development Plan Sanctioned
The sanctioned development plan paved the way for land planning, zoning, and infrastructure layout.
Land Pooling Legal Challenges (Setback)
The project faced legal and farmer hurdles regarding the Land Pooling mechanism and Special Investment Region Act, causing initial planning delays.
All TP Schemes Approved
All six Town Planning schemes were sanctioned under the SIR Act 1976, marking a huge regulatory milestone.
Environmental Clearance from MOEF
With environmental approval, industrial and large-scale infrastructure projects got the green signal.
Activation Area & ABCD Building
Contracts were awarded for the Activation Area and the ABCD Building — the first functional commercial hub inside Dholera.
Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway Tender
This expressway tender was released, designed to significantly reduce travel time and support industrial logistics.
Global Pandemic Standstill (Setback)
COVID-19 lockdowns paused active construction on utility trunk lines and slowed administrative progress.
Solar Park & Airport Tender
Two key projects launched: One of the world’s largest Solar Parks, and Dholera International Airport, set to boost global connectivity.
Greenfield Airport & Semiconductor Policy
The cabinet approved the Greenfield Dholera Airport and launched a semiconductor policy, turning Dholera into a high-tech magnet.
Tender for 4-Star Hotel
This supports rising business travel, industrial visits, and tourism.
Tata Electronics Plant Work Begins
Tata Electronics began their plant construction, and renewable power equipment factory work also started, expected to create massive employment.
Passenger Terminal Tender
The airport edges closer to becoming operational with new passenger terminal tender releases.
Tenders for School, Hospital & Fire Station
Social infrastructure now begins rising — essential for residents and employees.
Maritime Heritage Complex Opens
The Phase I of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (World’s largest maritime museum) in Lothal opens for the public.
Expressway (NE-8) Operational
Inaugurated on 31 March 2026: The 109 km NE-8 expressway (~₹5,800 Cr by NHAI) slashes Ahmedabad–Dholera transit from 2 hr 15 min to just 45 min.
Successful Airport Test Landing
A successful test landing is conducted at Dholera International Airport on the completed 3,200 m runway, confirming navigation and ATC readiness.
Ministerial Airport Review (80% Built)
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reviews site: MoCA reports 80% overall progress, 100% runway/taxiway/ATC tower, 75% terminal, and ongoing 2,500 m² cargo facility.
SP Ring Road Interchange Bids
NHAI invites tenders for a direct interchange connecting the operational NE-8 Expressway directly to Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel Ring Road for enhanced urban transit.
Dholera SIR Highlights Summary
Key structural facts at a glance
| Feature | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Scale & Structure | 920 km², phased development with regulatory oversight by DSIRDA & DICDL |
| Location | Strategic junction between Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot & Bhavnagar |
| Connectivity | Operational NE-8 Expressway (109 km, 45 min to Ahmedabad), Dholera International Airport (80% constructed, 3,200 m runway complete, test landing done), proposed metro & freight rail |
| Infrastructure | Smart utilities, town zones, administrative control center |
| Sustainability | IGBC Platinum rating with solar, water recycling, and smart systems |
| Economic Sectors | Technology, industrial, agro-processing, and emerging manufacturing |