The Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) is India’s first greenfield smart city and the largest in area. As a significant part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), it is to serve Dholera as a premier Industrial and Commercial Hub. Dholera SIR is designed with the world’s best infrastructure and a vision that makes it India’s top investment destination. It is also equipped with streamlining business Setup and Operation facilities that are unmatched within the region and the country.

This smart city saw its General Plan approved in stages, which was further implemented over subsequent years. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown on how the transformation has taken place over the years:

2009: The Foundation of Dholera SIR

📌 SIR Act Enacted (January 2009): In the first month of 2009, the Special Investment Region (SIR) Act was issued by the Gujarat Government which provided for the creation of new autonomous industrial regions, enabling Dholera to become a modern industrial city.

📌 Dholera SIR Officially Declared (May 2009): This led to Dholera being declared as India’s first Special Investment Region in May 2009. The region, which spans over 920 sq. KMs, is located in the state of Gujarat. This decision propelled Dholera into the forefront making it a vital industrial and residential region within Western India.

📌 Master Planning & Initial Surveys (May 2009): The Gujarat Government partnered with international urban planning firms to commence the master planning process. This stage included the following.

✔️ Soil Testing & Land Surveys: A geotechnical soil test was performed to determine if the land would be fit for use, its soil characteristics, and its load-bearing capacity.

✔️ Satellite Mapping & GIS-Based Land Measurement: The boundaries of the area, together with the roads and zoning divisions, were marked and the region was digitally mapped through Satellite Imagery and GIS, so everything was done using technology.

✔️ Selection of Urban Planners & Leased Consultants: The World’s top firms such as HALCROW Group (UK), AECOM, and CES India were selected and tasked with developing the master plan for Dholera.

2010-2013: Administrative and Planning Framework

📌 Formation of DSIR Development Authority (February 2010)

Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority was set up in February 2010. This body was responsible for governance and regulation for the development of the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA). These tasks included:

✅ Approving urban planning and zoning regulations

✅ Overseeing land acquisitions and settlements

✅ Ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly development

📌 Development Plan Sanctioned (September 2012)

After thorough research, the final Development Plan for Dholera SIR was approved in September 2012. This included:

Apart from conducting extensive research, effective from September 2012 the following will be constructed:

✔️ Division of land use for residential, commercial, industrial and recreational purposes

✔️ An entire infrastructure system including roads, drainage, water supply, power grid, smart utilities

✔️ Green city provisions which include building energy, waste management systems

Town Planning (TP) Schemes Approved (October 2013)

In October 2013, all Town Planning (TP) schemes were sanctioned and forwarded to the apex authority for approval and the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB). This approved the separation of the scheme in different zones to facilitate orderly structure and Picked up the growth of the city.

✔️ TP 1 to TP 6: Distribution of area with respect to residential, commercial and industrial activities

✔️ Smart Road Network: Highways, primary streets, and access roads are proposed.

✔️ Water and Drainage Layouts: Modern rainwater harvesting systems and urban drainage systems

2014-2016: Environmental Approvals and Infrastructure Development

Environmental Clearance Granted (September 2014)

In an effort to ensure that the project is completed with concern for environmental issues, the government shouldered the task of sorting out the details. As a result, there were green building norms, air quality treatment plans, and a wastewater discharge treatment plan. These norms were approved in September of 2014 alongside the clearance of the project.

✔️ Green building norms

✔️ Zero discharge Wastewater treatment

✔️ Air quality treatment plans

Finalization of Activation Area Engineering Designs (March 2015)

The Activation Area with an area of 22.5 sq. km was identified as the the first phase of developing a DICDL. By August 2015, the detailed engineering designs were completed. These designs were focused on:

✔️ Utility tunnels for electricity, water supply, and telecom lines

✔️ 100% Digital including Fiber Optic to the premises

✔️ Floodproofed surface drainage facilities

Formation of SPV DICDL (January 2016)

Dholera Industrial City Development Limited was created in January 2016 in order to speed up the execution of work. It is a special purpose vehicle and is a private limited company with Dholera Industrial City Development Limited having the following ownership structure:

✅ Gujarat Government 51% stake

✅ Government of India 49% stake

✅ Award of Roads and Services Contract (March 2016)

Finally, after much delay, the company received authorization to construct the new infrastructure in March, of 2016. Infrastructure construction commenced contract

2017-2019: Execution of Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects

The first phase of development for roads, power, and water supply started in January 2017, Which included:
✔️ Complete underground electric cabling
✔️ Drainage systems for rainwater
✔️ Smart system for lighting and surveillance

2019: Activation Area Infrastructure Ready

By January 2019, the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) marked a major milestone as its first phase of infrastructure was completed. This included roads, drainage systems, water supply, power distribution, and smart city utilities, making the activation area ready for industrial and commercial investments.

2019: MoU Signed for Dholera International Airport

In March 2019, the Government of Gujarat and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) formalized an MoU to develop Dholera International Airport, a crucial component of the region’s connectivity and economic growth strategy.

2022-Present: Major Projects Shaping the Future

After years of planning, the construction of Dholera International Airport officially commenced in November 2022. The airport is designed to be:
✔️ Capable of handling Airbus A380 operations, ensuring global connectivity.
✔️ Developed in multiple phases, incorporating both cargo and passenger terminals to support trade and travel.

2024: Planning for Expansion – TP 4B1 & TP 4B2

As Dholera grows, new expansion zones—TP 4B1 and TP 4B2—are under preliminary design in 2024. These zones will serve a mixed-use purpose, integrating industrial, residential, and commercial developments to cater to the region’s increasing demand.

2025: Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway Set to Operational

The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, a 100-meter wide, 8-lane high-speed corridor, is set to operational in 2025. This expressway will:
✔️ Reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera.
✔️ Boost industrial logistics, ensuring seamless connectivity for businesses.
✔️ Improve regional accessibility, making Dholera a prime destination for investment.

Final Points: The Blueprint has been Comicshed

With world class infrastructure, advanced utilities, and the location benefits of Dholera SIR, it is expected to accomplish the following:
✅ Be India’s first Platinum-rated Greenfield Smart City
✅ Function as a significant industrial and investment center within the DMIC
✅ Become a Central hub for global trading and technological activities

🚀 Don’t miss the chance to invest in India’s first greenfield smart city! Be a part of this innovative development!