Dholera Smart City is one of the most ambitious urban development projects in India. Located in Gujarat, it is being developed as the country’s first greenfield smart city, designed with world-class infrastructure, sustainable technology, and global investment opportunities. The project is part of the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and is expected to redefine how modern industrial and residential cities are built in India.
At the heart of this development is the upcoming Dholera International Airport, which will serve as the main gateway to the region. Together, the smart city and the airport are set to transform Gujarat into a global hub for industries, logistics, innovation, and sustainable living.
Vision of Dholera Smart City
Dholera Smart City is planned over an area of around 920 square kilometers, making it one of the largest smart city projects in the world. Unlike traditional cities, this one is being built from scratch—hence the term “greenfield.” Its vision is to create a city that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.
The city is divided into different zones, including residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. Advanced urban planning, digital connectivity, renewable energy, and eco-friendly transport systems are some of the core highlights of the project.
Importance of Dholera International Airport
To support the scale and global ambition of Dholera Smart City, a dedicated international airport is under construction. Located near Navagam village in Dholera Taluka, Ahmedabad district, the airport is about 80–100 kilometers from Ahmedabad city.
This airport will not only handle passenger traffic but also serve as a major logistics and cargo hub for industries setting up in Dholera SIR (Special Investment Region). Once operational, it will reduce the burden on Ahmedabad airport and provide seamless connectivity to both domestic and international destinations.
Development Phases of the Airport
The development of Dholera International Airport is divided into three stages:
- Phase 1 (by 2026–27)
- One runway of 3,200 meters will be operational.
- Initial capacity of 1.5–3 million passengers annually.
- Cargo operations to support industrial exports.
- Phase 2 (by 2035)
- Expansion of passenger terminals and cargo facilities.
- Addition of a second runway.
- Capacity to reach around 25 million passengers per year.
- Phase 3 (by 2040 and beyond)
- Full global aviation hub with two runways.
- Annual capacity of up to 50 million passengers, comparable to India’s busiest airports.
The airport is being developed by Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), a joint venture of Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Government of Gujarat, and NICDIT.
Economic and Social Benefits
The growth of Dholera Smart City and its airport is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits:
- Boost to Investment: The city is designed to attract global investors, especially in sectors like manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, and renewable energy.
- Industrial Growth: With direct air connectivity and proximity to DMIC, industries can move goods quickly and efficiently.
- Job Creation: Thousands of new jobs in construction, services, IT, and manufacturing will be generated.
- Decongestion of Ahmedabad Airport: As passenger traffic increases, Dholera International Airport will share the load, providing better travel experiences.
- Tourism and Lifestyle: World-class infrastructure, smart transport systems, and green zones will make it a hub for tourism and modern living.
Key Features of Dholera Smart City
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | ~920 sq. km (larger than some metro cities) |
| Location | Gujarat, part of DMIC Corridor |
| Connectivity | International Airport, expressways, rail links |
| Focus Sectors | Electronics, aerospace, semiconductors, logistics, renewable energy |
| Green Features | Renewable energy, eco-friendly transport, smart waste management |
| Airport Capacity | Up to 50 million passengers annually by 2040 |
Also read: German Gas Company Linde in Dholera Gujarat: Boosting India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Dholera Smart City: Gateway to India’s Future
The upcoming Dholera Smart City is not just about buildings and industries—it represents a new way of urban living in India. It combines technology, sustainability, and business opportunities in one integrated model.
With its international airport, smart infrastructure, and strategic location, Dholera is set to become a major global hub like Singapore or Dubai. For India, it will be a shining example of how modern smart cities can attract global talent, strengthen the economy, and improve people’s quality of life.
As the project moves toward completion in phases, Dholera Smart City is poised to play a critical role in India’s economic future and global positioning.
