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

The Gujarat government has unveiled a comprehensive set of infrastructure development initiatives for the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) as part of the state budget for 2025–26, reinforcing its vision of transforming Dholera into a world-class smart industrial city. Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai announced multiple financial provisions aimed at strengthening social, civic, and urban infrastructure, ensuring that the region evolves not only as an industrial hub but also as a livable and sustainable urban centre.

A significant highlight of the budget is the focus on essential social infrastructure. An allocation of ₹170 crore has been made for the development of a modern hospital and a school within Dholera SIR. These facilities are expected to play a crucial role in meeting the healthcare and educational needs of the growing workforce, professionals, and families who are expected to settle in the region as large-scale industrial projects progress. The move reflects the government’s long-term approach to inclusive and balanced urban development.

Strengthening safety and emergency response mechanisms is another key component of the budget. The state government has earmarked ₹25 crore for setting up a dedicated fire station at Dholera SIR, enhancing disaster preparedness and industrial safety standards. Additionally, ₹20 crore has been allocated for trunk infrastructure augmentation, which includes the enhancement of essential utilities such as roads, drainage, power distribution, and communication networks required to support rapid industrial and residential expansion.

In order to support future land development and large-scale urban planning, the budget also provides ₹10 crore for sea dredging and landfilling activities at Dholera SPR. These works will be undertaken by the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and are considered critical for preparing land parcels for upcoming industrial, logistics, and residential projects within the region.

Sustainable water management and urban resilience form another important pillar of the budgetary announcements. A provision of ₹1 crore has been made for the development of a desalination plant at Dholera SIR, aimed at ensuring long-term water security for both industrial operations and residential consumption. Alongside this, ₹1 crore has been allocated for the creation of an integrated residential township, while ₹5 crore has been proposed for developing a tent city to accommodate visitors, officials, and early-stage project teams during the development phase.

The budget further strengthens regional connectivity and logistics infrastructure through a proposed allocation of ₹6.56 crore towards reimbursement for the acquisition of additional private land required for the development of the Dholera International Airport. Improved air connectivity is expected to significantly enhance investor confidence and position Dholera as a globally connected industrial destination.

Located approximately two hours from Ahmedabad via the under-construction Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, Dholera SIR is already witnessing rapid on-ground progress, including the construction of Tata Group’s semiconductor fabrication facility. With sustained government support, strategic infrastructure investments, and a clear policy roadmap, Dholera is steadily emerging as a self-sustained smart city that integrates industry, urban living, and sustainable development.