How Soon Will Dholera Be Ready? A Phase-Wise Look at India’s Smart City Dream

The Vision Behind Dholera Smart City

Dholera Smart City is one of India’s most ambitious and futuristic urban development projects, developed under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Spread across 920 sq. km, Dholera SIR (Special Investment Region) aims to become a world-class industrial and residential hub powered by smart technology, clean energy, and global connectivity.

Strategically located about 100 km from Ahmedabad, Dholera’s vision is to reduce urban congestion while creating a self-sustaining, Greenfield Smart City designed for the future. With seamless connectivity through the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, Dholera International Airport, and Dholera Sea Port, the city is envisioned as India’s next innovation and manufacturing powerhouse.

Dholera’s Development Plan & Current Progress (As of 2025)

The growth of Dholera Smart City has been structured in three key phases, stretching from 2020 to 2042, each defining a new stage in India’s smart infrastructure evolution.

Phase 1: 2020–2025 – The Activation Area (22.5 sq. km)

This is where Dholera’s real journey began, the Activation Area of 22.5 sq. km, forming the foundation on which the entire Dholera Smart City Progress stands today.

The focus here was on infrastructure creation, building everything that defines a smart city’s backbone, from power to water, communication to transportation.

Here’s what’s been achieved so far:

• Road Network: 75-meter-wide 4-lane smart roads, built with underground utilities—pipelines, stormwater drainage, optical fiber networks, and power cabling systems.
• Power Infrastructure: Tata Power and Torrent Power have established major substations. Additionally, Dholera Solar Park, part of Gujarat Power Corporation’s 250 MW initiative, ensures a sustainable energy supply to the Activation Area.
• Water Supply: A direct Narmada River pipeline ensures round-the-clock clean water.
• Command and Control Centre (ABCD Building): Known as the city’s “brain,” the ABCD Building monitors traffic, lighting, CCTV, and utilities through an integrated digital system.
• Flood Management: Smart sensors automatically discharge excess water during heavy rains, making the city nature-proof and disaster-ready.

This progress is managed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL) a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. In 2024, DICDL reported that 95% of the Activation Area infrastructure was complete and ready for industrial setup.

Land allotments have already been made to eight major companies, including ReNew Power, Torrent Gas, Tata Power Solar, Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, and Jabil India - a key player in Semiconductor Manufacturing India.

To attract global industries, the government launched the Anchor Tenant Policy, providing benefits such as GST refunds, 100% FDI, and plug-and-play industrial facilities.

Simply put, Phase 1 of Dholera Smart City is operational, live, and ready for the next growth phase.

Phase 2: 2025–2030 – Airport, Industry & Housing Expansion

Phase 2 marks Dholera’s transition into a globally recognized smart region. The primary focus lies on Dholera International Airport, industrial expansion, and urban housing.

The Dholera International Airport, a collaboration between AAI and the Government of Gujarat, is the flagship project. Phase 1 construction is expected to finish by December 2025, with the first flight projected in 2026. The runway and terminal structure are already near completion.

Parallelly, the industrial expansion has accelerated. Jabil India, Tata Electronics, and ReNew Power are part of Dholera’s upcoming semiconductor and clean energy manufacturing ecosystem. Plans are underway for EV manufacturing clusters, with Tata Motors and MG Motors showing strong interest. Additionally, defense and aerospace parks are being prepared for construction by 2027.

The housing sector will also take off, with Gujarat Housing Board and private developers launching residential projects post-2026. Schools, hospitals, and commercial complexes have received design approvals.

On the connectivity front:

• The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway construction is complete, awaiting inauguration. Once open, it will cut travel time from Ahmedabad to just 45 minutes.
• The Sabarmati–Dholera Metro Corridor alignment has been approved, with construction likely to begin around 2028.
• A logistics hub and port link are also being built to support export-oriented industries.

By 2030, Dholera will have a fully operational airport, functional industries, expressway access, and its first residential clusters coming to life.

Phase 3: 2030–2042 – The Full Smart City Vision

Phase 3 will turn Dholera SIR into a complete Greenfield Smart City spread across all 920 sq. km. It’s the stage where Dholera becomes a fully self-sustaining ecosystem.

Key highlights include:

• Population capacity of 1 million+ residents
• Employment generation for over 8 lakh people
• Fully operational metro network connecting Ahmedabad–Dholera and major internal zones
• Expansion of Dholera Solar Park to achieve 1,000 MW of renewable energy capacity
• Smart AI-based systems managing power, traffic, and water in real time

This phase will also feature research universities, convention centers, sports stadiums, and tourism belts, along with eco-friendly coastal resorts and zero-carbon development models.

By 2042, Dholera will stand as India’s first fully realized Greenfield Smart City a living symbol of innovation, sustainability, and intelligent urban growth.

How Dholera’s Growth Impacts Surrounding Regions

The rise of Dholera Smart City has already begun to influence real estate and regional growth. Dholera plots, especially near the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway and Dholera International Airport, are gaining traction among early buyers.

As Ahmedabad evolves into a major metro city and Dholera becomes an international industrial hub, this corridor is set to become Gujarat’s smart economic zone. Improved connectivity and infrastructure are fueling Dholera Smart City's progress, making it one of the most promising destinations in India’s growth story.

The Road Ahead: When Will Dholera Be Fully Ready?

Based on official timelines:

• Phase 1 (Activation Area): Complete and operational by 2025
• Phase 2 (Airport & Industries): Major developments by 2030
• Phase 3 (Full City Vision): Completion by 2042

By then, Dholera Smart City will feature:

• An operational Dholera International Airport
• A 5 GW solar energy ecosystem (Dholera Solar Park)
• Advanced tech and semiconductor manufacturing hubs
• Smart housing, EV clusters, and logistics parks
• Full connectivity to Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway and ports

Conclusion: The Future Is Building Now

Dholera Smart City is rapidly transitioning from vision to reality. With the government’s focus on renewable energy, industrial growth, and digital governance, Dholera is set to redefine how cities in India are built and managed.

From the ABCD Building to the Activation Area, from Tata Power to Jabil India, every milestone reflects a unified goal to build India’s most advanced Greenfield Smart City.

The foundation is ready. The progress is visible. The future is Dholera.