Ahmedabad-Dholera freeway project, 5000MW Solar Power Park will make Dholera a speculation center for a large group of areas

Ahmedabad-Dholera Freeway Project & 5000MW Solar Power Park

Dholera: A Speculation Center for Multiple Sectors

Dholera Solar Park is the world’s biggest single-location Ultra Mega Solar Park in Gujarat, approved by the government. It has the capability to produce 5000 MW of renewable energy as part of the Dholera Smart City Project. This development is a significant boost for the DSIR Project, one of India's first and largest greenfield smart cities, designed to provide a standout infrastructure and a sustainable environment through smart solutions.

As India gradually opens up multiple sectors, a significant development in Gujarat brings positive news by offering a major boost to business and employment opportunities.

Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway

The National Highway Authority of India has recently commenced development work on the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway. The work order, worth Rs 3,500 crore, for the stretch connecting Ahmedabad to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) has been finalized, with work expected to begin shortly.

• The expressway will have advanced features compared to the Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway.

• It is expected to reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to less than an hour.

• Dr. Parul Mansata, Dy. Collector, Dholera SIR Regional Development Authority, stated that the project will be a major catalyst for regional development, enhancing business, employment, and growth opportunities.

Dholera Solar Park, Gujarat

In addition to the expressway, Dholera is also set to develop one of the world's largest single-location Ultra Mega Solar Power Parks, recently approved by the government.

• Nearly 11,000 hectares of land have been allocated for the park.

• The estimated capacity is 5000 MW of renewable energy production.

• Phase 1 of 1000 MW is currently under development:

  • 700 MW was awarded in August 2020 to five companies: Vena Energy Renewables, Tata Power, ReNew Power, SJVN Limited, and TEQ Green Power.

  • 300 MW was awarded in 2019 to Tata Power.

Impact on Investment and Development

These large-scale connectivity and city-building projects will transform the region into a dynamic business corridor and urban zone. Together, the highway and the solar project will serve as focal points to attract significant investments.

• Dholera is emerging as a key location for major businesses and urban development.

• The Ultra Mega Solar Power Park is a state-of-the-art project, crucial for the DSIR Project’s sustainability goals.

• Dr. Parul Mansata highlighted the region’s strategic approach in attracting investors in the renewable energy sector.

Industrial and Business Prospects

Dholera SIR is inviting major manufacturers from diverse sectors such as:

• Aviation

• Defense

• Electronics

• Pharmaceuticals

• Textiles

• Heavy Engineering

In addition to its smart solutions, the project envisions creating extensive employment opportunities in the region.

For cost-conscious businesses with sustainable goals, the Dholera Smart City Project offers an ideal business environment by combining ease of business with high-quality urban living for employees and their families.

Government Incentives for Businesses

As per the new Industrial Policy announced by the Gujarat Government:

• Businesses setting up in Category 1 talukas, including Dholera, will receive maximum incentives and benefits.

• Companies will be eligible for:

  • Capital subsidy: 25% of the eligible Term Loan (up to Rs. 35 lakhs).

  • Interest subsidy: 7% of the term loan amount disbursed (up to Rs. 35 lakhs per annum for 10 years).

Future Vision for Dholera

By 2040, Dholera aims to:

• Accommodate a population of 2 million.

• Develop a business base of 8,27,000+.

• Provide world-class industrial facilities complemented by residential developments.

Key Features of Dholera

• Industry 4.0 Ready: Focused on cutting-edge technologies.

• Advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT):

  • Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication & IoT

  • Connected Devices

  • Broadband Wireless

  • Cloud Computing

  • Big Data & Analytics

• Smart City Innovations:

  • e-Governance, e-Health, e-Education

  • Safety & Security

  • AI-enhanced urban transport, smart grids, renewable energy, and efficient waste and water management

  • Reduced CO2 emissions and improved sustainability

Data Center Hub

Dholera’s ICT infrastructure makes it a prime location for some of India’s largest data centers. Factors contributing to this include:

• Lowest power tariff

• 5000 MW Solar Park

• ICT-enabled networking

These elements will make industries in the Data Center sector more competitive, allowing them to achieve better ROI ahead of forecasts.

Strategic Location & Connectivity

Dilip Brahmbhatt, General Manager - Commercial, highlighted DSIR’s strategic location:

• Positioned at the crossroads of commerce, connecting key industrial hubs like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar.

• Key infrastructure projects include:

  • Ahmedabad-Dholera Metro Rail Connectivity

  • Logistics Parks

  • Mega Industrial Parks under the DMIC development

Conclusion

With top-notch infrastructure, DSIR is a premier choice for national and international businesses looking to expand in India. The project offers:

• World-class digital infrastructure

• Affordable, reliable energy

• Abundant water and natural resources

These factors will help businesses seamlessly grow and operate in an efficient and sustainable manner.