Currently in the first phase of completion, Dholera City, identified as a Special Investment Region (SIR), is set to become the country’s first greenfield smart city as well as a hub for tourism, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Covering an extensive area of 920 sq.km, with 422 sq.km being developed under Town Planning in accordance with the provisions of the SIR Act 2009, Dholera City is the largest node under NICDC.
According to Hareet Shukla, Secretary (Tourism, Devasthanam & Civil Aviation) and MD, DICDL, the Dholera city will have exceptional connectivity through various modes of transportation, including air, land, rail and sea, making it a multi-modal transport hub.
“Dholera Industrial City will have world-class infrastructure with plug and play model wherein all the necessary utility connections will be available at plot level. The Industrial Smart City will have excellent connectivity through all the modes including air, land, rail and sea. The road connectivity will consist of an access controlled four-lane expressway being developed and will reduce the distance from Ahmedabad to Dholera by half that is from two hours to one,” Shukla revealed.
Plans for connectivity projects such as the Dholera-Ahmedabad Expressway, expected to be completed by the end of 2023, and the International Airport, slated for operation by 2026, are already in motion, he told ETTravelWorld.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the region, Shukla mentioned the unique attractions surrounding the city.
Notable nearby tourist destinations include Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Lothal Archeological Site, the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal, Valabhi Ancient Buddhist University, and various religious pilgrimages. These attractions receive a fair number of tourists from both Gujarat and across India.
“Tourism and recreation projects are an integral part of the city planning, with 10 per cent of the total area reserved for such activities,” he said.
In terms of tourism-related projects in the pipeline, Shukla confirmed that Dholera city’s planning includes hotels, clubs, sports complexes, and eco-tourism resorts. However, the mode of development for these projects will be determined after conducting detailed feasibility studies.
He also mentioned the potential for large-scale projects such as film city studio setups, amusement parks, and golf course resorts, depending on the demand.
“The mix of these existing tourism places and planning of developing tourism facilities will ultimately give a boost to tourism activities and will result in generation of employment in the region, besides the potential employment generation of two lakhs jobs within the Activation Area,” Shukla affirmed.
Shukla discussed the progress of the Dholera City project, which is being developed in phases. The first phase of the “city built from dust”, known as the “Activation Area,” spans 22.54 sq.km. Infrastructure work is well underway in this area as per Shukla, with serviced plots being prepared for industries.
“At present, we have 228 acres of developed land parcels available in the Activation Area dedicated for tourism and recreational activities,” he added.
Shukla revealed that once the Activation Area is saturated, the project will progress to Phase II, covering 55 sq.km.
“With this, Dholera City is set to become a dig-free city entirely, emphasising sustainable development practices,” he mentioned.
Ahead of the state hosting the G20 meeting, with the maiden Tourism Working Group being a significant one, Shukla also acknowledged Gujarat’s position as a prominent destination for business travel and MICE. He highlighted the presence of state-of-the-art convention centers, luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, and generous hospitality.
In recent time, the state has hosted numerous International and National level events including the Celebration of World Bee Day 2022, All India Judicial Conference of Chief Justices and High Court Judges on Mediation and Information Technology 2022, A Symposium of Vice-Chancellors on Building World-Class Universities 2021, Meeting of the Consultative Committee for Ministry of Steel 2021, among others.
“To take the success story to the next step the state has integrated multiple MICE related benefits in the Tourism Policy 2021-25. Under the policy, the state provides capital subsidy to establish a convention centre In Gujarat. The state also extends its support for organising MICE events in Gujarat; both domestic and international level MICE event organizers will be eligible for financial benefits under the policy,” he added.
The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting and Ministerial Meeting in Goa also marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable tourism practices with finalisation of the Goa roadmap. The meeting was deemed a success, said Tourism Secretary, V Vidyavathi, adding that a complete government approach would be adopted, ensuring that five priorities are shared with central ministries and states for effective implementation.
The Tourism Policy also aims to support and showcase indigenous products that highlight Gujarat’s art and culture. “Promoting local products is also a key focus for Gujarat, aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. Financial benefits are provided for organising Rural Tourism fairs, which promote local crafts and traditions,” he added .
Shukla asserted that by embracing the principles of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local,” Gujarat can maximise the benefits and showcase its rich heritage and vibrant culture through events like the International Kite Festival, Navratri, and Rann Utsav.
Reflecting on Gujarat’s current tourism scenario, Shukla expressed optimism, giving credit to the state’s diverse natural, cultural, and geographical assets. “With its strategic location, long coastline, renowned heritage sites, and a range of attractions including the Statue of Unity, Gir Forest, Girnar Ropeway, Dholavira, Ahmedabad, Lothal, and the Rann of Kutch, the state offers an abundance of experiences.”
The government’s initiatives, including favourable policies, robust infrastructure, and human resource development, have contributed to a 207 per cent rise in tourist footfalls between 2017 and 2022, Shukla added.
When asked about the takeaways from the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting held at Rann of Kutch in the beginning of the year, Shukla said the event’s primary takeaways were notable.
“First, sustainable and strategic tourism was underscored as the key to rural tourism, considering the fragile ecosystems and limited carrying capacity of villages. Monitoring and managing tourism activities were essential to prevent negative impacts on the local environment,” he added.
He said that the state of Gujarat gained international recognition through this event, providing a platform to showcase its rich cultural and natural heritage, thereby boosting local and national tourism.
Moreover, the TWG event resulted in tangible economic development, including infrastructure improvements such as the construction of new roads and social amenities. “It also contributed to job creation and the development of the local economy, fostering social awareness and empowerment,” concluded Shukla.
