-Swamy Muddam, from Dholera (Gujarat)
Gujarat’s planned industrial city takes shape with smart infrastructure, advanced technology and plug-and-play facilities
DHOLERA, GUJARAT: As Telangana moves ahead with plans to develop a futuristic city in Hyderabad, Gujarat is already witnessing the emergence of a similar large-scale urban and industrial development. Dholera Smart City, being developed as a Special Investment Region (SIR), is steadily taking shape as a planned destination for industries, technology, investments and employment.
Located around 100 km from Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR is not merely being developed as a new city. The ambitious project aims to create an integrated ecosystem bringing together manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, investment and employment.
Spread across approximately 920 sq km, Dholera SIR is a key component of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and is being positioned as a high-tech global manufacturing and industrial hub.
Infrastructure First, Industries Next
One of the defining features of Dholera’s development is its approach of creating infrastructure before industries arrive.
Roads, power, water supply, drainage, wastewater management and ICT infrastructure are being developed as part of an integrated master plan.
Key trunk infrastructure has already been developed across an approximately 22.5 sq km activation area, creating a foundation for industrial and commercial activity.
The objective is to provide industries with ready-to-use infrastructure and reduce the time and effort required to establish new facilities.
A City Beneath the Roads
One of Dholera’s most distinctive infrastructure features is its underground utility duct system.
Special underground corridors have been created for electricity cables, water pipelines, gas lines and communication cables.
Unlike conventional cities, where roads often have to be dug up whenever new cables or pipelines are laid, Dholera’s underground utility network has been designed by anticipating future requirements.
The concept is simple: build the infrastructure once and provide access to utilities without repeatedly disturbing the roads.
This forms a key part of Dholera’s plug-and-play infrastructure model.
Planned Water Management
Water infrastructure has also been planned keeping in mind the requirements of future industries and population growth.
The development includes systems for supplying treated water through water treatment facilities, while sewage treatment plants (STPs) are being provided for wastewater management.
Facilities such as Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) are also being developed to manage industrial wastewater.
The approach seeks to balance industrial growth with environmental management.
Drainage System Designed to Manage Flooding
Given Dholera’s proximity to the coastal region, drainage and flood management have received particular attention.
Side drains, major drainage channels and water-disposal systems have been incorporated into the infrastructure network to manage stormwater during heavy rainfall.
The objective is to prevent waterlogging and ensure efficient movement of rainwater through the planned urban area.
Reliable Power Infrastructure
Reliable electricity supply is critical for large-scale industrial operations. Dholera’s infrastructure plan therefore includes substations, dedicated power cable networks and distribution systems.
The network is being developed with scope for expansion as more industries and large manufacturing facilities become operational.
ABCD: The Administrative and Business Centre
Another prominent landmark of Dholera is the ABCD — Administrative and Business Centre for Dholera.
The centre plays an important role in administration, business activities and coordination of various infrastructure services.
Technology-driven systems and ICT-based monitoring are also being incorporated into the development of the smart city.
Emerging Semiconductor Hub
Dholera has gained national attention in recent years because of its emergence as a potential semiconductor manufacturing hub.
As India seeks to expand its domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, the Tata Group is developing a major semiconductor manufacturing project in Dholera.
Alongside semiconductors, the region is being positioned to support electronics, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy industries.
The arrival of high-end manufacturing projects could strengthen Dholera’s position as a major high-tech manufacturing hub in India.
Global-Scale Connectivity
Efficient connectivity will be crucial for Dholera’s industrial ambitions. Various projects are being developed to improve road, rail and air connectivity to the region.
The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway is expected to significantly improve road connectivity between Ahmedabad and Dholera.
The proposed Dholera International Airport and rail connectivity projects are also expected to strengthen the region’s access to national and international markets as they progress.
Officials Explain Dholera’s Development Model
Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL) Joint Managing Director Rushin Bhatt and Marketing Manager Aditi Goyak explained various aspects of Dholera’s development, infrastructure and future plans.
According to the officials, Dholera is being developed through a planned approach in which critical infrastructure required by industries is created in advance.
What Can Hyderabad’s Future City Learn From Dholera?
With Telangana also moving forward with its plans for a Future City in Hyderabad, Dholera could offer several lessons in planned urban and industrial development.
The advance creation of underground utility networks, integrated water, power and drainage systems, plug-and-play infrastructure for industries and technology-driven monitoring are among the key features that could be studied while planning future cities.
A New Industrial Address for Future India
holera is gradually moving beyond the infrastructure-development stage and emerging as a destination designed for industrial activity.
World-class roads, underground utility networks, water management systems, drainage infrastructure, power distribution and digital infrastructure are being developed under a unified master plan.
The entry of advanced industries, particularly semiconductor manufacturing, has further increased the strategic importance of the region.
With its focus on investment, industry, employment and technology, Dholera is positioning itself as a new industrial destination on India’s future economic map — and potentially a model worth studying as Hyderabad’s own Future City takes shape.@Create image
