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 recognised 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 Airport, a government-authorised 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 sea ports, 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.
What are the key elements of the Dholera Customs Port?
- 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.
This amendment is issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to Notification Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S.O. 828 (E), dated 21st November 1994, earlier published by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue). The addition has been made against serial number 6 relating to the State of Gujarat, stating ‘Dholera - Unloading of imported goods and the loading of export goods or any class of such goods.
On April 16, 2025, Dholera Customs Port was added to the list of customs-approved ports in Gujarat. The strong Dholera transportation network will boost regional growth.