Dholera, once a historic port village in Gujarat, is today at the center of one of India’s most ambitious development projects — the Dholera Smart City under the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor . From its cultural heritage and traditional village life to its transformation into the Dholera Special Investment Region , the journey of Dholera shows how history and modern urban planning can come together.
History of Dholera Village
Dholera Village, located in Ahmedabad district, has been known for centuries as an ancient coastal settlement. It was once a small port town near the Gulf of Khambhat, where trade and local culture flourished.
- The population of Dholera village was recorded as around 2,637 (Census 2001).
- The literacy rate of 76% was higher than many other nearby villages, showing early awareness of education.
- The village streets, temples, and houses carry heritage value, making Dholera important not only for modern investors but also for historians and culture lovers.
Even today, agriculture remains a part of Dholera’s economy, though soil salinity limits output. Village life is traditional, with strong community bonds, cultural practices, and ancestral ties to the land.
Dholera Smart City Development Plan
The transformation began when the Gujarat government notified Dholera as part of the Dholera Special Investment Region in 2009 under the Gujarat SIR Act. Covering more than 920 sq. km., it is the largest greenfield investment region in India.
Key highlights of the Dholera Smart City plan
- Industrial hub: Over 11,000 hectares for industries, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Housing and community: Planned for over 2 million residents by 2030 with mixed-income housing.
- Infrastructure: Roads, rail, utilities, and smart technology to support modern businesses.
- Environmental safeguards: Village buffer zones, CRZ protection, green belts, and water management.
- Phased growth: Development divided into three phases over 30 years to ensure sustainability.
This makes Dholera not just a smart city, but a future-ready global industrial and residential hub.
Land Acquisition Rules in Dholera
One of the most important aspects of Dholera’s growth is its land acquisition and land management strategy. Unlike older projects that used the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, which often caused conflicts, Dholera follows a more people-friendly system.
Town Planning Scheme (Land Pooling) in Dholera
- Farmers contribute their land into a common pool.
- After roads and infrastructure are developed, they receive back a smaller but developed plot (reconstituted land).
- The value of this land is much higher, so farmers share in the growth.
Limited Compulsory Acquisition
Only in special cases (like expressways or power plants), land may be compulsorily acquired, but the plan clearly says this will be minimal.
This land pooling mechanism in Dholera SIR ensures farmers are partners, not losers, in development.
Integration of Dholera Village into Smart City
The Final Development Plan emphasizes protecting and uplifting Dholera village:
- Village Buffer Zones: Each village, including Dholera, has a protective buffer to preserve identity and heritage.
- Heritage conservation: Old streets and structures in Dholera are identified for upgrading.
- Dholera Welfare Society: A proposed village assistance body to make sure benefits reach villagers directly.
- Skill training & jobs: Programs planned to help villagers shift from farming to new industrial and service jobs.
This means Dholera village will not be erased, but integrated into the smart city with its history respected.
Benefits of Dholera Smart City for Locals and Investors
For Villagers
- Better roads, water, power, and sanitation.
- Access to schools, healthcare, and training.
- Jobs in industries, IT, and services within the smart city.
- Higher land value through Town Planning Schemes.
For Investors
- India’s first planned greenfield smart city with government backing.
- Huge opportunities in industrial land, logistics hubs, commercial plots, and residential projects.
- Transparent land management with clear legal frameworks.
- Proximity to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Gujarat’s ports.
Conclusion
Dholera’s story is unique. It started as a small historic village and ancient port town, and today it is transforming into a world-class smart city. The Dholera land acquisition rules, based on Town Planning Schemes and land pooling, ensure that local farmers and landowners are part of the progress.
