By Ambrish Parajiya
As India moves toward building a future-ready economy, the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) near Ahmedabad is slowly making headlines for its scale, planning and fast-paced development. Positioned as one of the country’s most ambitious greenfield smart cities, Dholera is being shaped into a major manufacturing and industrial zone that could play a key role in strengthening India’s economic backbone.
Spread over 920 square kilometres, Dholera SIR is designed to support next-generation industries such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and clean technologies. The region’s activation area, covering 5,600 acres, is already attracting investment interest, with projections suggesting that more than 1.5 lakh people could be employed there by 2030.
One of the biggest developments in Dholera is the upcoming semiconductor fabrication plant by the Tata Group, in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). This plant, expected to be operational by 2026, is being built to supply chips for sectors like automotive, AI, and data storage. It’s also expected to create over 20,000 jobs in its first phase and give rise to a supply-chain ecosystem that supports both local and national industries.
In addition to manufacturing, Dholera is also making strong moves in renewable energy. A 4,400 MW solar park is under development in the region, with 1,000 MW already in progress. The focus on clean energy aligns with India’s broader goals for sustainable industrial growth.
What gives Dholera a significant edge is its infrastructure. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, which is close to completion, will reduce travel time between the two cities to under an hour. Work is also ongoing at the new Dholera International Airport, which will serve both passenger and cargo needs. The nearby Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) at Bhimnath will connect Dholera directly to the national logistics network, making the area more attractive for large-scale industrial setups.
The city’s internal infrastructure includes digital connectivity, planned roads, plug-and-play industrial plots, and a reliable power supply. Social infrastructure is also advancing, with schools, hospitals, and emergency services already operational or in the final stages of development.
Dholera’s growth is not just being watched by major corporations and policy planners, it is also attracting attention from real estate and infrastructure developers who see long-term potential in the region. Among those already present is the GAP Group, which is developing Akhilam, a residential and commercial township aimed at the growing workforce expected to settle in the area. Developers like these are betting on Dholera becoming not just an industrial centre, but a livable urban space backed by strong connectivity and planning.
Experts say Dholera represents more than just another smart city; it reflects a broader shift in India’s development strategy toward building self-sustaining, high-tech industrial hubs. With early investments rolling in and infrastructure taking shape at a steady pace, many believe Dholera could become a model for how future industrial townships in India are built.
As development continues, Dholera SIR is shaping up to be one of India’s most closely watched industrial zones, offering opportunities not just for manufacturers and tech firms but also for those interested in building the cities of tomorrow.
The author is Managing Director of GAP Group, a leading infrastructure development company.
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