A Game-Changer in India’s Infrastructure and Industrial Growth
Gujarat’s Dholera city is poised to become India’s first smart industrial city, setting the stage for a new era of infrastructure, innovation, and industrial development. Dholera smart industrial city is also slated to host the country’s first semiconductor fabrication plant. With its futuristic vision and strategic initiatives, Dholera is often dubbed the “Future Singapore of India.”
Located 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad, Dholera is being developed on the ancient site of the Sindhu Ghati (Indus Valley) civilization. Today, it is transforming into a technological and industrial hub, with significant support from both the Central and State Governments by establishing Dholera Industrial Development Limited (DIDL).
Massive Investments and Infrastructure Milestones
Progress is underway at an unprecedented pace. An international airport is under construction, and major infrastructure projects are already in place, including a newly completed six-lane expressway and allocated land for a future metro system.
TATA Electronics has taken the lead by investing ₹91,000 crore in a semiconductor fabrication plant. In addition:
- Small-scale industries have invested approximately ₹1 lakh crore.
- The Central Government has contributed an additional ₹15,000 crore.
- A 922 km² land bank, one of Asia’s largest, has been secured for industrial expansion.
- “Plug-and-play” infrastructure is being developed to attract global businesses and facilitate swift operational setups.
Driving India’s Industrial Revolution
According to the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), Dholera is expected to significantly impact India’s industrial growth. In a conversation with CNBC Awaaz, Sudhir Nayak, Treasurer of IESA, shared:
“By 2030, India is projected to require electronics production systems worth $500 billion. To meet this demand, TATA is manufacturing chips ranging from 280 nanometers to 110 nanometers, alongside tools like wide tools, automation tools, and more. These efforts are expected to spur the growth of supporting industries in and around Dholera.”
The upcoming international airport, coupled with smart infrastructure and strategic planning, will make Dholera an integrated, self-sustaining industrial ecosystem.
A Model for Smart Cities in India
In a recent interview, Mr. Chintan Thaker, President of ASSOCHAM Gujarat, stated:
“The master plan shows that sectors like silica processing, chip-making, and entire supply chains are planning to set up in Dholera. The city offers world-class infrastructure, ease of doing business, and a strong emphasis on technology and sustainability.”
Social infrastructure and quality of life are also central to Dholera’s urban development model, ensuring that industrial progress goes hand-in-hand with community well-being.
The Road Ahead: A Call for More Smart Cities
Dholera’s rapid progress underscores the need for similar developments across India. As Mr. Thaker emphasized, India must replicate the Dholera model to reach its ambitious target of becoming a $5 million economy and join the ranks of developed nations.
