Dholera Smart City Completion Timeline: What’s Done and What’s Next
How India’s First Greenfield Smart City Is Taking Shape
The journey of Dholera Smart City is more than just a development plan - it’s the story of India’s most ambitious urban transformation project under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
Spread across 920 sq. km, Dholera SIR (Special Investment Region) is being designed as a greenfield smart city, integrating cutting-edge technology, renewable energy, and world-class infrastructure to create a new urban benchmark.
Strategically located about 100 km from Ahmedabad, Dholera offers seamless connectivity via the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and proposed sea link routes, making it one of India’s best-connected industrial zones.
Backed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL) - a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. This megaproject aims to build a self-sustaining city powered by smart utilities, solar energy, and innovation-driven industries.
Let’s explore what’s been achieved so far and what lies ahead in Dholera’s phase-wise growth.
Phase 1 (2020–2025): The Activation Area – 22.5 sq. km of Smart Foundations
The real journey of Dholera Smart City began here. within the 22.5 sq. km Activation Area, the pilot zone that laid the foundation of India’s first Greenfield Smart City.
This phase focused on building the essential infrastructure that would become the backbone of the entire project.
Major Achievements:
- Smart Infrastructure: 75-meter-wide 4-lane roads built with underground pipelines, stormwater drainage, optical fiber, and power cables.
- Power Backbone: Substations by Tata Power and Torrent Power now supply uninterrupted electricity.
- Clean Energy Integration: The Dholera Solar Park, a 250 MW facility by Gujarat Power Corporation, supports sustainable power needs.
- Reliable Water Supply: A direct Narmada River pipeline ensures 24x7 clean water.
- ABCD Building & Command Centre: The ABCD Building serves as Dholera’s administrative core, while the Command and Control Centre manages everything from traffic and CCTV to streetlights and water pressure on a single smart dashboard.
- Flood Management System: Automated sensors discharge excess water during heavy rainfall, proving Dholera’s climate-resilient design.
All this progress is being managed by DICDL, which confirmed in its 2024 report that the Activation Area is over 95% complete and ready for industrial setup.
Leading companies such as ReNew Power, Torrent Gas, Tata Power Solar, and Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics have already been allotted plots here.
To attract large industries, the Anchor Tenant Policy was introduced offering benefits like GST refunds, 100% FDI, and plug-and-play infrastructure.
Status: The Activation Area is operational, functional, and ready for industries, marking the successful completion of Phase 1.
Phase 2 (2025–2030): Airport, Industries & Urban Expansion
As Dholera steps into its next phase, the focus now turns toward connectivity, industrial growth, and residential expansion the stage that will truly put Dholera Smart City on the global industrial map.
What’s Underway:
- Dholera International Airport: Being jointly developed by AAI and the Government of Gujarat, the airport’s Phase 1 construction will be completed by December 2025, with test flights expected in 2026.
- Industrial Expansion: The city is becoming home to India’s first Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub, with Jabil India, ReNew, and Tata Electronics already part of the ecosystem. EV clusters are also planned, with Tata Motors and MG Motors showing strong interest.
Additionally, defense and aerospace parks are under design and expected to begin construction by 2027.
- Residential Development: The Gujarat Housing Board and private builders will launch residential projects post-2026, including schools, healthcare centers, and commercial hubs.
- Transport & Logistics: The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is complete, awaiting inauguration, which will cut travel time to just 45 minutes. The Dholera Metro Corridor from Sabarmati to Dholera is approved and expected to start construction by 2028. A dedicated logistics hub and port link are also in progress for export-oriented industries.
By 2030, Dholera will feature a fully operational international airport, industrial clusters, live expressway, and first residential zones a major leap toward becoming India’s most connected industrial city.
Phase 3 (2030–2042): The Full Smart City Vision
The final and largest phase will turn Dholera into a complete futuristic city spanning the entire 920 sq. km region.
This is where Dholera will realize its vision as a model Greenfield Smart City driven by clean energy, AI-based management systems, and innovation-led industries.
What to Expect:
- A planned population exceeding 1 million residents
- Over 8 lakh jobs across the industrial, commercial, and research sectors
- A metro network connecting Dholera internally and with Ahmedabad
- Expansion of Dholera Solar Park to a massive 1,000 MW capacity
- AI-integrated water, power, and traffic management systems
- Establishment of tech universities, research hubs, convention centers, and sports complexes
- Development of eco-friendly coastal resorts, green zones, and zero-carbon neighborhoods
By 2042, Dholera Smart City will stand as a fully realized, self-sustaining smart ecosystem where technology, sustainability, and quality of life converge seamlessly.
The Road Ahead: The Future Is Already Building
If you’ve ever wondered, “When will Dholera be complete?” the answer is simple: The foundation is ready, progress is visible, and the future is unfolding right before us.
Dholera Smart City isn’t just a project - it’s a vision under construction. With rapid development on the ground, real-time infrastructure updates, and strong government backing, Dholera represents India’s next big chapter of growth and innovation.
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