Dholera: From Ancient Trading Hub to Modern Smart City

Dholera, a small town located in the Indian state of Gujarat, has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Harappan civilization. Today, as we enter the digital age, Dholera continues to offer a unique advantage that sets it apart from other cities in India.

The ancient Harappan civilization thrived in the Indus Valley over 4,000 years ago and was known for its advanced knowledge of engineering and sophisticated urban planning. Dholera, in particular, was a major trading center during this era, and its strategic location along the coast made it an important hub for maritime trade. The town was also renowned for its production of high-quality pottery and other crafts.

Fast forward to the modern era, and Dholera is once again poised to play a significant role in India’s economic growth. The town is being developed as a world-class smart city, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities. The Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), spread over 920 sq. km, is being developed as a greenfield industrial city, with a focus on sectors such as defense, aerospace, and electronics.

One of the key advantages of Dholera is its strategic location. The town is situated along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, a government-backed initiative aimed at developing industrial hubs across six states in India. The corridor is expected to give a boost to manufacturing and trade in the region, making it a lucrative destination for businesses looking to expand their operations.

In addition to its strategic location, Dholera offers excellent connectivity. The town is well-connected to major cities in the region, such as Ahmedabad, and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The upcoming Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway will further improve connectivity, making it easier for businesses to transport goods and people.

Another advantage of Dholera is its abundance of land. The DSIR has a total land area of 920 sq. km, with over 70% of the land available for industrial development. This makes it an ideal destination for businesses looking to set up large-scale manufacturing facilities.

The state government has announced several incentives for businesses setting up operations in the region, such as tax exemptions and subsidies. The government has also set up a dedicated agency, the Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL), to facilitate investment and provide assistance to businesses.

In conclusion, Dholera’s rich history, strategic location, connectivity, abundance of land, and favorable business environment make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations in India. As the country moves towards becoming a global manufacturing hub, Dholera is poised to play a significant role in India’s economic growth, just as it did during the ancient Harappan civilization.

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