Dholera is planned to be a self sustainable city, but it is still in the early development stage. On paper, the design supports sustainability. In reality, we will know the true result only after full population and industrial activity start.
What Does Self Sustainable City Mean?
Before judging Dholera, we must understand the meaning.
A self sustainable city usually has:
- Its own water system
- Reliable power supply
- Good drainage and waste management
- Jobs inside the city
- Schools, hospitals, and markets
- Public transport
- Green energy use
- Smart infrastructure
The goal is simple. People should not depend too much on another city for daily life.
What Is Dholera?
Dholera is officially called Dholera Special Investment Region and is part of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project. It is located in Gujarat, about 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad.
It is being developed by the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India through a special company.
Total planned area is around 920 square kilometers. That is very large. Bigger than many Indian cities.
How Dholera Is Designed to Be Self Sustainable
1. Water Management
- Water will come from the Narmada canal system.
- Underground pipelines are already installed in the activation area.
- There is a storm water drainage plan to prevent flooding.
I visited the activation area once. The underground duct system was already visible. That is something you do not see in normal Indian cities.
2. Power and Energy
- The plan includes 24 hour power supply.
- Large solar parks are planned nearby.
- Smart grid system is proposed.
Gujarat already has strong solar capacity. So this part is realistic.
3. Underground Utilities
- Electricity cables are underground.
- Water lines are underground.
- Sewage lines are underground.
- ICT network is pre planned.
This is a big difference compared to old cities where wires hang everywhere.
4. Industrial Jobs
- It is mainly an industrial city.
- Companies are expected to set up manufacturing units.
- Jobs will be created inside the city itself.
Without jobs, no city survives. This is the most important part.
5. Transport Connectivity
- Expressway connection to Ahmedabad.
- International airport under development.
- Proposed metro link in long term.
- Part of DMIC freight corridor network.
Good connectivity increases the chance of success.
Where The Challenge Is
Now I will be honest.
- Population is still low.
- Very limited residential activity right now.
- No large scale social life yet.
- Schools and hospitals are still developing.
A city becomes self sustainable only when real people live there, not just plans on paper.
In my experience as a real estate analyst, I have seen many projects that looked perfect in brochures but struggled because population did not come fast.
My Personal Observation
I have studied Dholera closely for years. Infrastructure quality is strong compared to many smart city projects. Planning is serious.
But sustainability is not only about roads and pipes. It is about people.
- Will families move there?
- Will industries actually start production?
- Will daily life feel natural?
That part takes time.
