Dholera Airport Geteway

Dholera Smart City is an ambitious greenfield project located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. Envisioned as India’s first planned industrial smart city, it spans around 920 square kilometers and is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative, aiming to establish a global manufacturing and trading hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Dholera International Airport is a significant greenfield project under development to serve the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) in Gujarat, India. Located near Navagam in the Dholera taluka of Ahmedabad district, the airport site spans approximately 1,426 hectares, situated about 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad and close to the DSIR.

Development Timeline and Current Status:

  • Government Approvals and Investments: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Gujarat State Government are jointly overseeing the development. In June 2022, the Union Cabinet approved Phase I of the project with an estimated cost of ₹1,305 crore (approximately $160 million USD). ​
  • Construction Progress: As of early 2024, significant construction milestones have been achieved:​
    • In January 2024, a ₹333 crore EPC contract was awarded to Yashnand Engineers and Contractors for the construction of the integrated passenger terminal building, air traffic control (ATC) tower, cargo complex, and other facilities, with an 18-month completion timeline. ​
    • Runway construction commenced, with Phase I featuring a 3,200-meter runway suitable for Code 4E aircraft, such as Boeing 747 and Airbus A350. ​
  • Operational Timeline: The airport is anticipated to be operational by December 2025, aiming to alleviate congestion at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and support the logistics needs of the DSIR.

Infrastructure and Facilities:

  • Runways: The airport is planned to have two runways; the initial 3,200-meter runway in Phase I, with future expansion to a 4,000-meter runway to accommodate larger aircraft. ​
  • Passenger and Cargo Terminals: The integrated passenger terminal and dedicated cargo complex are designed to handle both passenger traffic and diverse cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. ​
  • Advanced Technology: The airport will incorporate modern technologies such as automated baggage handling, biometric identification, AI-assisted air traffic control, and smart security systems.

Why Invest in Dholera?

Investing in Dholera, a Special Investment Region (SIR) in Gujarat, India, is attractive due to its strategic location, strong government backing, and potential for long-term growth, particularly in real estate and infrastructure, making it a promising destination for investors.

1. Strategic Location and Connectivity:

    • Proximity to Major Cities:Dholera is located about 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad, offering easy access to major industrial hubs and markets. 
  • Connectivity:It’s well-connected via road, rail, and air, with the proposed Dholera International Airport and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) further enhancing accessibility. 
  • Logistics Hub:The region’s location and infrastructure development position it as a major logistics and transportation hub. 

2. Government Support and Vision:

  • Smart City Initiative:Dholera is part of the Indian government’s Smart Cities Mission, which provides FDI-friendly policies, tax incentives, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. 
  • Visionary Plan:Dholera is a part of a larger vision for a clean, green, and sustainable urban development, attracting investors seeking long-term growth. 
  • Infrastructure Development:The government is investing heavily in infrastructure, including roads, railways, and utilities, to support the development of Dholera as a smart city. 

3. Economic Opportunities:

  • Industrial Hub:Dholera is designed to be an industrial and technology hub, with designated industrial zones catering to manufacturing, logistics, and innovation-driven enterprises. 
  • Real Estate Boom:The real estate market in Dholera is expanding rapidly, with increasing demand for land and plots, driven by investors seeking long-term gains. 
  • Affordable Pricing:Compared to other metro cities, land prices in Dholera are currently more affordable, making it a lucrative option for early investors. 
  • High-Growth Potential:Dholera offers a high potential for long-term returns on investment, with property values expected to rise significantly as demand grows. 

4. Sustainability and Smart City Features:

  • Renewable Energy:Dholera is focusing on renewable energy sources like solar power to meet its energy needs. 
  • Water Management:Effective water management systems, including rainwater harvesting, are being implemented to ensure sustainable water resources. 
  • Smart Utilities and Infrastructure:Dholera is being developed with smart utilities, including smart grids and smart metering, to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. 
  • Holistic Development:The development plan ensures that Dholera is not just a place to work, but also a place to live and thrive, with residential areas, healthcare, educational institutions, and recreational facilities.