Dholera SIR to Get School, Hospital, Fire Station and Desalination Plant

The Gujarat government has unveiled a series of infrastructure development initiatives for the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) as part of the state budget for 2025–26, signalling a strong push towards transforming the region into a fully integrated smart industrial city. Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai announced multiple allocations aimed at strengthening social, civic, and urban infrastructure to support the rapidly growing industrial ecosystem at Dholera.

A major focus of the budget is the development of social infrastructure. An allocation of ₹170 crore has been made for establishing a modern hospital and a school within Dholera SIR, ensuring access to essential healthcare and education facilities for residents, workers, and professionals expected to move into the region. These facilities are critical to supporting long-term habitation and workforce retention as large-scale industrial projects become operational.

To enhance safety and emergency preparedness, the state government has earmarked ₹25 crore for the construction of a dedicated fire station at Dholera SIR. In addition, ₹20 crore has been allocated for trunk infrastructure augmentation, which includes strengthening core utilities and service networks required for industrial and residential growth. A provision of ₹10 crore has also been made for sea dredging and landfilling activities at Dholera SPR, to be undertaken by the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), supporting future expansion and land development.

The budget further includes provisions for sustainable water and urban development. An allocation of ₹1 crore has been proposed for setting up a desalination plant at Dholera SIR, aimed at ensuring long-term water security for industrial and residential use. Another ₹1 crore has been earmarked for the development of an integrated residential township, while ₹5 crore has been allocated for the creation of a tent city to support visitors, officials, and early-stage project activities in the region.

Additionally, the government has proposed ₹6.56 crore towards reimbursement for the acquisition of additional private land required for the development of the Dholera International Airport, further reinforcing the region’s connectivity and strategic importance. Located around two hours from Ahmedabad via the under-construction Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, Dholera SIR is already witnessing significant activity, including the construction of Tata Group’s semiconductor fabrication facility. With these infrastructure investments, Dholera is steadily progressing towards becoming a self-sustained industrial and urban hub.