On April 16, 2025, the Ministry of Finance, via the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), officially designated Dholera Customs Port as a recognized customs port. This status permits the port to handle the unloading of imported goods and the loading of export goods, including specific categories as defined.
This inclusion of Dholera International Airport, a government-authorized customs port, marks a significant advancement in enhancing Gujarat’s customs and trade infrastructure.
What is Dholera?
Dholera is India’s first greenfield smart city project based in Gujarat, fully backed by the government and Mr. Modi. An ultra-urban city with high connectivity through seaports, airports, highways, and rail networks, Dholera is set to become an example of New India’s modern cities.
The Dholera International Airport is being developed as a part of the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), a flagship project of the Central and State Governments jointly.
With the recent addition to India’s customs ports list, the region will now scale to higher heights in terms of Dholera port infrastructure and Dholera cargo terminals. Since it will be one of the most strategic ports in India, Dholera port connectivity will boom not just the smart city but all regions and towns around it.
Key Elements of the Dholera Customs Port
The Dholera Customs Port is now officially allowed to receive and send international cargo, enhancing import-export operations and positioning the region as a global trade hub. This move will accelerate customs clearance at Dholera, reducing logistical hold-ups and boosting efficiency. With the connectivity in Dholera ranking among the best in India, the Dholera port is set to become a vital link for export-oriented industries. The newly received customs status will further strengthen the Dholera port infrastructure, supporting the city’s industrial growth and economic expansion.
- Dholera Customs Port is now allowed to receive and send international cargo, enhancing import-export operations.
- This step will accelerate customs clearance at Dholera, reducing logistical hold-ups.
- With Dholera port connectivity ranking high in India, Dholera’s position as a trade and shipping hub will strengthen.
- The newly received status of a customs port is expected to elevate the Dholera port infrastructure.
- The new Customs airport will make Dholera an import/export gateway, facilitating seamless cargo movement for high-value electronics and industrial equipment.
The new Dholera International Airport will complement the port by enabling smooth cargo transfer for high-value electronics and industrial goods. According to the Dholera Latest Update 2025, this change was made through an amendment issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (Notification Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S.O. 828 (E), dated 21st November 1994). The addition includes Dholera – unloading of imported goods and loading of export goods, now recognized under Gujarat’s customs-approved locations. With its strategic connectivity in Dholera, the region is expected to attract large-scale industries and foster sustainable development.
Connectivity in Dholera
The connectivity in Dholera forms the backbone of its development as a smart industrial city. The under-construction Ahmedabad Dholera Expressway and the parallel Dholera-Ahmedabad Expressway will ensure fast and direct access to Ahmedabad and surrounding logistics hubs. The Dholera airport location, near Navagam village, connects the Dholera International Airport seamlessly with the Dholera Customs Port, allowing integrated air and sea cargo handling. At the heart of city operations, the ABCD Building (Administrative and Business Center for Dholera) functions as the main governance and approval complex within the Dholera Smart City framework.
Additionally, Dholera solar power projects are driving clean energy within the region, making it one of India’s leading green industrial corridors. The Dholera smart city booking system simplifies industrial and residential allotments, ensuring transparency and efficiency. With growing trade routes, advanced logistics, and world-class connectivity in Dholera, the Dholera Latest Update 2025 highlights its rise as a future-ready industrial and logistics hub for India.
