Dholera Smart City : India’s First Futuristic City & Investment Hub

Dholera Smart City: India’s First Futuristic Greenfield City You Must Know About

Dholera Smart City in Gujarat has become one of the most searched topics in India and abroad, as investors, entrepreneurs, and real estate enthusiasts are constantly looking for the best investment opportunities in India 2025. If you have been searching on Google for terms like “Dholera Smart City project details,” “Dholera investment opportunities,” “Dholera property rates,” or “future of Dholera city,” then you are in the right place.

Within the first 100 words itself, let me tell you clearly – Dholera Smart City is India’s first and largest planned greenfield smart city project, spread across 920 sq km between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar in Gujarat. This futuristic city is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), backed by the Government of India, designed with cutting-edge infrastructure, sustainability, and world-class facilities.

In this blog, we will cover everything about Dholera Smart City – its history, planning, features, infrastructure, property market, investment potential, challenges, and why it is being called the “Singapore of India.” This is a complete, SEO-friendly, 2500+ word guide for anyone curious about the future of smart cities in India.

What is Dholera Smart City?

Dholera Smart City is the first and largest greenfield smart city in India, being developed under the Smart Cities Mission and DMIC project. Unlike other cities where development happens in patches, Dholera is being built from scratch, designed with the latest technology, eco-friendly systems, and urban planning that matches global standards.

• Total area: 920 sq km

• Developable area: 567.39 sq km

• Phase 1 activation area: 22.5 sq km (already completed)

• Planned population: Over 20 lakh residents by 2040

• Location: Between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar, ~100 km from Ahmedabad, connected via 6-lane expressway and upcoming metro.

Why is Dholera Called the Future of India?

Dholera is not just another real estate project. It is India’s vision for a fully sustainable and tech-enabled city. Here’s why:

1. World-class planning – Designed by Halcrow (UK-based company), ensuring international-level infrastructure.

2. Green & sustainable city – Focus on renewable energy, especially Dholera Solar Park (5000 MW).

3. Smart mobility – Upcoming metro, expressways, and Dholera International Airport (under construction).

4. Industrial hub – Aimed at attracting global manufacturing companies with tax incentives and plug-and-play infrastructure.

5. Technology-driven governance – Smart surveillance, automated traffic systems, e-governance, and IoT-enabled services.

Infrastructure of Dholera Smart City

Dholera Smart City has been planned to ensure seamless living and business opportunities. The core infrastructure includes:

• Wide roads & underground networks – All utility services (electricity, water, gas, telecom, sewage) will run underground.

• Smart water management – 24×7 water supply with advanced waste treatment systems.

• Renewable energy – 5,000 MW solar park, making Dholera a global renewable hub.

• Social infrastructure – Schools, hospitals, residential zones, IT parks, sports complexes.

• Transport connectivity –

  • Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway (already under construction).

  • Metro rail project connecting Ahmedabad to Dholera.

  • Dholera International Airport – Expected to handle over 20 million passengers annually.

Investment Potential in Dholera

One of the most asked questions on Google is: “Is it good to invest in Dholera Smart City?”

The answer is Yes – but with proper planning.

Reasons why Dholera is a great investment opportunity:

1. Low land prices today – Compared to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and other cities, property prices in Dholera are still affordable.

2. Future industrial hub – Attracting global companies in electronics, defense, aerospace, and manufacturing.

3. Government push – Direct involvement of central and state governments ensures strong backing.

4. High ROI potential – Early investors can see exponential growth once major infrastructure projects are completed.

Dholera Real Estate Market

Currently, land in Dholera Smart City is available at relatively low rates, ranging between ₹200 to ₹600 per sq ft, depending on location and development stage. Investors are mostly targeting:

• Residential plots

• Commercial plots

• Industrial land parcels

Experts believe that once the airport and expressway are operational, land prices could multiply rapidly, similar to how property boomed in Gurugram (NCR) after Delhi Airport expansion.

Major Projects in Dholera

1. Dholera International Airport – Under construction, expected completion soon.

2. 5000 MW Dholera Solar Park – Already operational in parts, making Dholera a global solar hub.

3. Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway – Will cut travel time to 45 minutes.

4. Metro Rail Project – Connecting Ahmedabad with Dholera.

5. Activation Area (22.5 sq km) – Completed with ready-to-move infrastructure for industries.

Dholera vs GIFT City

Many people compare Dholera Smart City with GIFT City (Gandhinagar).

• GIFT City is focused on finance, IT, and banking.

• Dholera is focused on manufacturing, industries, and residential development.

• GIFT City is already operational, while Dholera is in development phase.

Together, they represent Gujarat’s ambition to create world-class urban hubs.

Challenges and Concerns

While Dholera is promising, it has its share of concerns:

• Slow development pace – Full development will take years.

• Investor confusion – Too many small brokers creating misleading hype.

• Infrastructure dependency – Airport, expressway, and metro must be completed for growth.

• Population attraction – The real challenge is bringing people and businesses to settle.

The Future of Dholera Smart City

By 2030, experts believe Dholera will be one of India’s most advanced urban hubs, with industries, IT parks, solar energy plants, and smart residential colonies. By 2040, Dholera is expected to house over 20 lakh people and become one of the biggest economic and industrial centers of India.

FAQs About Dholera Smart City

1. Where is Dholera Smart City located?
Dholera is located between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, ~100 km from Ahmedabad.

2. Is Dholera worth investing in?
Yes, but only for long-term investment. Short-term investors may not see immediate results.

3. What is special about Dholera Smart City?
It is India’s first and largest greenfield smart city with world-class infrastructure and a 5000 MW solar park.

4. When will Dholera be ready?
Phase 1 (22.5 sq km) is already completed. Full development will continue till 2040.

5. What is the cost of land in Dholera?
Currently, land prices range from ₹200 to ₹600 per sq ft depending on location.

Dholera Smart City is not just a project – it is India’s dream of building the future. Backed by the government, designed by global experts, and supported by large-scale infrastructure, it has the potential to become the Singapore of India.

For investors and entrepreneurs, Dholera represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yes, it may take time, but history shows that early movers in such mega projects always gain the highest returns.

If you are searching for the best real estate investment in India 2025, Dholera Smart City should definitely be on your radar.