Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Reviews Dholera SIR Projects; Airport Now Expected to Be Operational by End-2026

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) on October 16, 2026, to assess the progress of ongoing industrial, social and connectivity projects in the region. The on-site review covered the Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication facility, social infrastructure in the Activation Area, green cover initiatives, and road, rail and air connectivity. During the same visit, the Chief Minister also reviewed work at the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under construction at nearby Lothal.

The visit is part of the Chief Minister’s approach of inspecting major development projects in person instead of relying only on presentations. Dr. Kuldeep Arya, Managing Director of Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL), made a detailed presentation on the region’s industrial and urban infrastructure, public amenities, connectivity projects and future development plans.

At the Tata Electronics site, the Chief Minister toured the semiconductor fabrication facility and reviewed the progress of construction work. The project involves an investment of more than ₹91,000 crore and is being developed with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) as the technology partner. Tata Electronics CEO and Managing Director Dr. Randhir Thakur was present along with other senior company officials. The plant is still under construction, with production expected to begin in 2028.

On air connectivity, officials said a calibration flight recently landed successfully at Dholera International Airport and that the airport is now expected to become operational by the end of 2026. This is later than the September–October 2026 target set during the Civil Aviation Ministry’s review in July, when the project was reported to be around 80 percent complete. The start of commercial operations will depend on the completion of remaining work and the required regulatory approvals, including the aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is already operational and has improved road access between Ahmedabad and the SIR. On the rail front, a new 23-km line between Bhimnath and the Dholera Logistics Hub is being developed to support the movement of industrial cargo. Separately, the 134-km Ahmedabad–Dholera semi-high-speed double-line railway project, approved at an estimated cost of ₹20,667 crore, is planned to connect Ahmedabad, Dholera SIR, the airport and Lothal. Western Railway floated an EPC tender worth ₹18,901.68 crore for the corridor earlier this year.

The Chief Minister also inspected social infrastructure being developed in the Activation Area to serve workers, business visitors and future residents. Facilities under development include a 200-bed multi-speciality hospital, an integrated school, a fire station and a modern 42-room guest house. Work is also under way on a food court with a capacity of 600 people, a tent city with 50 tents and hotel facilities, along with residential and commercial projects.

Green development was another focus of the visit. More than 1.11 lakh saplings have been planted across 53 hectares in collaboration with the Forest Department and Sadbhavana Trust. Officials explained the drum plantation technique being used to improve sapling survival rates, and the Chief Minister reviewed the work carried out under the initiative.

At Lothal, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex and the facilities planned under its first two phases, stressing the need to complete the project on schedule. At a governing council review in September, Phase 1A of the complex was reported to have reached about 82 percent physical progress, with a revised completion target of October 31, 2026.

Senior officials present during the visit included Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Advisor S.S. Rathod, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikrant Pandey, Science and Technology Secretary P. Bharathi and Gujarat State Electronics Mission Director Neha Kumari, along with district administration and police officials.

The review reflects the state government’s focus on developing industry, urban amenities and connectivity together in Dholera SIR. The airport’s licensing process and the completion of social infrastructure in the Activation Area will be key milestones to track in the coming months.