Dholera Smart City 2025: Latest Updates, Projects, and Future Plans

Introduction

India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy by the end of this decade relies heavily on world-class infrastructure and smart urbanization. Among the boldest and most ambitious developments in this space is Dholera Smart City, Gujarat. Positioned as India’s first planned smart city and a part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Dholera is attracting global attention in 2025 for its rapid growth, technological integration, and immense potential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Dholera Smart City in 2025 — including the latest project updates, infrastructure progress, investment opportunities, and the city’s future plans.

What is Dholera Smart City?

Dholera Smart City is a greenfield industrial smart city located around 100 km southwest of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. It is being developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) — a mega infrastructure initiative by the Government of India with support from the Government of Japan.

Key Facts:

• Total area: 920 sq. km (Twice the size of Delhi)

• Developed Area (Phase 1): 22.5 sq. km

• Governing body: Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL)

• Core Focus: Industrial growth, smart technology, and sustainable urban living

Dholera Smart City 2025: Latest Updates

1. Infrastructure Progress

As of 2025, Phase 1 of Dholera Smart City is nearing full operational readiness. Over 80% of trunk infrastructure — including roads, water supply, waste management, power distribution, and ICT networks — is already complete in the Activation Area.

Key Developments:

• 6-lane expressways and arterial roads: Over 72 km of roads have been completed.

• Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are functional with integrated pipelines.

• 100% underground utility corridors: Dholera is one of the first cities in India to adopt this global standard.

2. Dholera International Airport

Construction of the Dholera International Airport (DIAC) has progressed significantly in 2025. Slated to be operational by late 2026, the airport will:

• Handle 1.2 million passengers annually in phase one.

• Support cargo and logistics for industrial units.

• Reduce the load on Ahmedabad Airport.

This will be a major catalyst for economic growth and FDI in the region.

3. Semiconductor and Electronics Hub

With India pushing to become a global semiconductor manufacturing destination, Dholera has been selected as a key electronics manufacturing cluster (EMC) under the India Semiconductor Mission.

In early 2025:

• Tata Electronics and Vedanta-Foxconn JV are setting up semiconductor fabs.

• Over ₹1.3 lakh crore worth of investment proposals have been approved.

• The city is receiving incentives under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme.

4. Green Energy Zone

Dholera is home to one of the world’s largest ultra-mega solar parks — the Dholera Solar Park (5000 MW).

• Phase 1 (1000 MW) is already operational.

• A massive Green Hydrogen Hub is also being developed.

• The goal is to make Dholera India’s first carbon-neutral industrial city.

Major Projects in Dholera Smart City (2025)

1. ABC – Activation Area Development

This is the pilot area of 22.5 sq. km being developed first to attract initial investment. The area includes:

• Plug-and-play industrial plots

• Residential and commercial spaces

• Logistics parks and warehousing

• Fully operational utilities

2. Dholera Industrial Park

Multiple MSMEs and multinational corporations have leased plots in the industrial park, including:

• Renewable energy manufacturers

• Electronics assembly units

• EV and battery storage companies

Plug-and-play infrastructure is already available for investors.

3. High-Speed Metro Rail (Ahmedabad-Dholera)

Work on the Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Corridor is underway.

• Travel time: Less than 1 hour

• Designed speed: 160–200 km/hr

• Connects Dholera with Ahmedabad, GIFT City, and Gandhinagar

This rail line will massively enhance commuting and logistics.

4. Smart Governance and ICT Grid

Dholera’s entire city management is built on a central command and control system (CCCS):

• Real-time monitoring of water, electricity, traffic, and waste

• Intelligent traffic lights, CCTV, and sensors

• 100% fiber-optic enabled city

Why Invest in Dholera in 2025?

1. Early Mover Advantage

Dholera Smart City offers investors an opportunity to enter before the boom. Land rates are still affordable compared to Delhi, Mumbai, or even GIFT City, yet returns are expected to multiply over the next 5–10 years.

2. Policy Support and Incentives

The Gujarat government offers:

• Single-window clearance

• Subsidies for infrastructure, power, and land

• Special incentives for green energy, EVs, semiconductors, and electronics

3. Strategic Location

• Proximity to Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar Port, and the DMIC freight corridor

• Future connectivity via high-speed rail, six-lane expressways, and a greenfield international airport

4. Next-Gen Infrastructure

Dholera is India’s only city with fully integrated smart infrastructure, setting global benchmarks in urban planning, sustainability, and tech adoption.

Dholera in the News (2025)

• ✅ Tata Group to set up ₹91,000 crore semiconductor plant in Dholera.

• ✅ Foxconn exploring second plant near Dholera for EV components.

• ✅ Dholera Green Hydrogen Mission launched with ₹20,000 crore government backing.

• ✅ Invest Gujarat Summit 2025 sees over ₹3 lakh crore committed to Dholera zone.

Future Plans and Vision 2040

1. Full-Scale Industrial Ecosystem

By 2030, Dholera aims to house:

• 1000+ MSME and large-scale industrial units

• World-class logistics, research labs, and testing facilities

• Global manufacturing hub status similar to Shenzhen or Singapore

2. Population & Livability

• Projected population by 2040: 20 lakh+

• Walkable urban planning with green corridors

• Affordable housing, schools, hospitals, and business centers

3. Smart Mobility and Sustainability

• 100% electric public transport

• Carbon-neutral operations by 2035

• Smart waste-to-energy plants and decentralized recycling

4. Tourism and Innovation Hub

• Dholera aims to attract MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.

• Innovation zones, universities, and R&D clusters will foster entrepreneurship.

Challenges and Concerns

While Dholera’s promise is enormous, there are some challenges:

• Land acquisition and approvals in some sectors still pending

• Skepticism from investors due to long gestation timelines

• Need for faster public-private partnerships to unlock potential

However, the government and DICDL have been proactively addressing these concerns through improved policy frameworks and investor outreach.

Top Sectors to Watch in Dholera (2025–2030)

How to Buy Land or Invest in Dholera Smart City

If you’re an investor looking to get involved in Dholera in 2025, here are the typical steps:

1. Contact DICDL or DSIRDA (Special Investment Region Authority)

2. Identify the project sector: industrial, residential, commercial, or warehousing.

3. Work with government-approved consultants or registered developers.

4. Apply for land allotment or private partnership.

5. Ensure due diligence — zoning, environmental clearances, and legal compliance.

Conclusion

Dholera Smart City is not just a city of the future — it’s a national mission that’s already reshaping India’s urban and industrial narrative in 2025. With massive investments, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure, Dholera is set to become India’s answer to smart global cities.

For investors, startups, real estate players, and policy enthusiasts — Dholera offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Ready to be part of India’s most futuristic city?
Keep your eyes on Dholera — the city that’s building tomorrow, today.

FAQs: Dholera Smart City 2025

Q1. Is Dholera Smart City livable now?

Yes. The Activation Area is already livable with infrastructure in place. Full-scale livability is expected by 2026–27.

Q2. What is the price of land in Dholera?

Industrial land starts from ₹800–₹1500 per sq. meter. Residential land varies based on zone and development status.

Q3. Who is funding the Dholera project?

The project is funded by the Government of India, Government of Gujarat, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and private sector investments.

Q4. What makes Dholera different from other smart cities?

Unlike retrofitted smart cities, Dholera is a greenfield city built from scratch with full digital infrastructure, clean energy, and world-class governance systems.