In an exclusive interview with Swarajya, Dr Kuldeep Arya (IAS), CEO of Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL) discussed the renewed buzz around this futuristic hub.
He emphasized how Dholera is more than just a blueprint for India’s chip-making aspirations; it is the cornerstone upon which the country is building its own version of Silicon Valley.
Twice the size of Mumbai, the ‘smart city’ of Dholera is set to host India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant, marking a leap in India’s semiconductor ambitions.
Dr. Kuldeep Arya (IAS) highlights Dholera’s role in driving India’s semiconductor ambitions and its potential to become a futuristic industrial hub.
What targeted initiatives are in place to enhance the ease of doing business in Dholera SIR, and can you share any success stories from companies already benefiting from these measures?
A Dholera SIR has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business, making it one of India’s most business-friendly investment destinations.
Additionally, a range of customised incentives have been declared for semiconductor manufacturing by Gujarat State Electronics Mission (GSEM) such as land subsidies, capital subsidy, assistance for obtaining power and water at concessional rate.
A prominent success story comes from Tata Electronics, which, in partnership with PSMC, chose Dholera for its fab manufacturing facility. This venture was able to fast- track its approvals, land allotment and receive the necessary infrastructure support within a short span of time.
The combination of government support and world-class infrastructure has enabled Tata to reduce setup times and costs. More companies are expected to benefit from these ease-of-doing-business measures, making Dholera a competitive investment destination.
In addition to the semiconductor ecosystem, what other manufacturing hubs are emerging in Dholera SIR?
While the semiconductor ecosystem is a primary focus, Dholera SIR will also witness growth in other high-tech manufacturing sectors.
The next phase of development in the region will see industries like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, aerospace and defense and other sunrise sectors. The government’s push towards self-reliance in high-tech thrust sectors will attract major global players in India, while Dholera’s robust infrastructure and multimodal connectivity will make it a favourable destination for investment.
How is the Dholera Smart City project evolving, and what strategies are being implemented to accommodate the lifestyle and needs of the foreign workforce essential for the semiconductor ecosystem?
The Dholera Smart City project is evolving rapidly, with a strong focus on making the city attractive to the international workforce that will be critical for the semiconductor and high-tech industries.
The city is being designed with modern amenities and infrastructure, including smart utilities, green energy solutions, and high-speed internet connectivity.
Residential townships are being planned with world-class facilities such as education facility, healthcare centres, recreational zones, and housing options catering to expatriates and highly skilled professionals.
A High Access Corridor in Dholera will host commercial hubs, hotels, shopping complexes, and entertainment facilities to make it an attractive destination for global talent. These strategies are designed to integrate work-life balance while providing the necessary support systems for professionals in the semiconductor industry.
