Smart City Dholera: Objective, Projects, and Current Status

Zoning of Dholera Smart City Project Area 

Dholera City has different zones: housing, commercial, amenities, recreational and sports, tourism, etc. Each zone has a proportion of the overall project as follows: 

• Commercial: 47% 

• Housing: 28% 

• Tourism: 3% 

• Common Amenities: 8% 

• Roadways: 6% 

• Sports and Recreation: 3% 

• Corridor with Easy Access: 4% 

• Others: 1% 

Area Divisions of Dholera Smart City 

Dholera City has various zones, each with its own benefits and features. Here is a comprehensive list: 

1. Sports Zone 

1. City Centre 

1. 250 Metre Expressway 

1. The Green Zone 

1. Zone of Information and Technology 

1. Corridor with Easy Access 

Industries in Dholera Smart City 

Some of the most important industries that the Dholera Smart City Project will comprise include electronics, heavy engineering, defence, manufacturing, high-tech technologies, agriculture, food processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and metal materials. 

In addition to these, Dholera is emerging as a destination for next-generation industries. The city is home to India's first semiconductor manufacturing hub, with Tata Electronics already part of the ecosystem. Electric vehicle (EV) clusters are also planned, with major automotive players showing strong interest. Defence and aerospace parks are under design and expected to begin construction soon. 

Current Status of Dholera Smart City 

The development of Dholera Smart City is progressing in three broad phases, each building on the last. 

Phase 1 (2020–2025): Laying the Foundation 

The first phase focused on the 22.5 sq. km Activation Area, the pilot zone that laid the groundwork for the entire project. Key achievements include: 

• Smart roads up to 75 metres wide with underground utilities (water, drainage, power, fibre) 

• Substations by Tata Power and Torrent Power ensure uninterrupted electricity 

• A 250 MW operational solar park supporting clean energy needs 

• A Narmada River pipeline enabling a 24×7 water supply 

• The ABCD Building and the integrated Command and Control Centre 

• Flood management systems with automated sensors 

As per DICDL’s 2024 report, the Activation Area is over 95% complete and ready for industrial setup. Companies such as ReNew Power, Torrent Gas, Tata Power Solar, and Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics have already been allotted land. 

Phase 2 (2025–2030): Connectivity and Industrial Expansion 

The second phase focuses on improving connectivity and accelerating industrial activity: 

• The Dholera International Airport is currently in the testing and licensing stage. Calibration flights were scheduled in early 2026, with Phase 1 completion now expected around 2027 

• The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, inaugurated in March 2026, has significantly improved regional connectivity 

• Social infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and residential zones, is planned and under tendering, with execution expected in the coming years 

• The Dholera Metro Corridor has received in-principle approval, but construction timelines are not yet finalised 

Phase 3 (2030–2042): Full-Scale Development 

The final phase will expand Dholera to its full 920 sq. km footprint, as outlined in the master plan: 

• A projected population of up to 20 lakh residents (2 million) 

• Over 8 lakh jobs across industrial and supporting sectors 

• Expansion of the Dholera Solar Park to a planned capacity of 5,000 MW (5 GW) 

• Continued industrial growth across sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and manufacturing 

Dholera Smart City Map 

The location of Dholera City is perfect for its fast growth and development. Surrounded by various important Gujarat cities and water bodies on three sides, the area is a premier site for economic activities. The Dholera Project is situated in the Gulf of Khambhat region, 100 km from Ahmedabad and 130 km from Gandhinagar. The area is also close to other important cities like Delhi, Surat, Mumbai, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. 

Conclusion 

The urban project of Dholera Smart City is actively taking shape on the ground. With Phase 1 infrastructure nearly complete, the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway inaugurated, and industries like semiconductors and renewable energy rapidly advancing, Dholera is steadily growing into the role it was designed for. For industrial investors and businesses, the ecosystem is now operational. For future residents, foundational social infrastructure is being tendered and will mature over the coming years. Now is an important time to watch and for industrial stakeholders to engage with India's most ambitious greenfield urban development initiative.