Dholera Smart City: How Halcrow and AECOM Are Building India’s First World-Class Urban Model

Global Expertise Driving Dholera Smart City

Dholera Smart City, located in Gujarat, is poised to become India’s first Greenfield Smart City, developed from scratch under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Unlike retrofitted smart cities, which face legacy planning challenges, Dholera Smart City is designed for the future, combining sustainability, global urban standards, and technology-driven infrastructure.

Global giants Halcrow (UK) and AECOM (USA) are spearheading the planning and execution, bringing decades of international experience to India. With Dholera airport and high-speed connectivity to Ahmedabad, Dholera is emerging as a hub for industries, innovation, and urban lifestyle.

Halcrow (UK) - Master Planners of Dholera

Halcrow, now part of Jacobs, is a globally renowned urban planning firm with experience across 70+ countries. Their role in Dholera includes:

• Crafting the master plan and land-use framework
• Designing zoning for residential, industrial, and commercial use
• Implementing the “Live-Work-Play” city model

By integrating international urban standards, Halcrow ensures Dholera avoids common city planning pitfalls like congestion, irregular layouts, and outdated infrastructure.

AECOM (USA) - Infrastructure Execution Leaders

AECOM is responsible for engineering and executing city infrastructure, covering:

• Roads, bridges, and expressways
• Underground utility networks
• Digital urban planning using BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS

AECOM’s expertise ensures Dholera is future-ready, resilient, and scalable for decades to come.

Technology Partners: Wipro, IBM & Cisco

Digital infrastructure forms the backbone of Dholera Smart City. Leading IT firms provide:

• IoT networks for real-time monitoring
• Integrated Command & Control systems for traffic, utilities, and emergency services
• Smart city applications for residents, businesses, and city planners

Execution Partners – Indian & International Specialists

Specialized firms like L&T Infrastructure, RITES, SPML, TERI, and Torrent Power handle key areas:

• Roads and metro planning
• Power distribution and smart grids
• Civic utilities, waste management, and renewable energy projects

Urban Planning Inspired by Global Best Practices

Dholera’s Planning Philosophy

Dholera Smart City blends global city models with local needs:

• Efficient traffic flow and mobility
• Tech-enabled governance
• Sustainable design and low-carbon footprint

Waste Management System

Dholera is implementing advanced waste management solutions, including:

• Bio-methanation and waste-to-energy plants
• Scientific sorting, recycling, and composting
• Centralized monitoring via smart sensors

Roads and Mobility

Inspired by London and Singapore, Dholera’s road network features:

• Wide arterial roads with multiple lanes
• Cycle tracks and pedestrian-friendly zones
• Planning for future metro and BRT corridors

Water & Wastewater Management

Efficient water management includes:

• Dual water pipelines for potable and non-potable use
• 100% wastewater recycling
• SCADA-based monitoring for water distribution

Stormwater & Climate-Resilient Design

To handle extreme weather, the city incorporates:

• Flood-resilient drainage systems
• Rainwater harvesting networks
• Sensor-enabled stormwater canals

Power & ICT Infrastructure

Global insights guide Dholera’s power and ICT systems:

• 24×7 power supply with renewable integration
• Underground utility corridors for aesthetics and safety
• High-speed digital networks for smart city services

City Management & Governance Planning

Centralized governance ensures:

• Transit-oriented development
• Mixed-use zoning for commercial and residential synergy
• An Integrated Command Centre for security, utilities, and emergency services

Plug-and-Play Infrastructure Model

Dholera offers ready-to-use plots with utilities delivered at plot boundaries. Industries can start operations immediately, boosting economic activity.

India’s Largest Underground Utility Corridor

A massive network carries power, water, gas, and ICT underground, minimizing disruptions and maintaining urban aesthetics.

The 4As Vision: Accessible, Adaptable, Affordable, Aspirational

This approach ensures infrastructure, mobility, and governance evolve with technology, economic growth, and industrial requirements.

Governance, Policy, and Execution Framework

The Dholera Special Investment Region Authority oversees planning and execution, ensuring approvals, infrastructure delivery, and sustainable growth under DMIC guidelines.

Town Planning & Land Management

Town Planning Schemes (TPs) enable:

• Land pooling for structured development
• Allocation for industrial, commercial, and residential plots
• Green spaces, roads, and trunk infrastructure

Single-Window Systems & Approvals

Investors benefit from:

• Digital platforms for business approvals
• Faster civic service delivery
• Reduced bureaucratic delays

Phased Development Strategy

The city is being developed in phases:

• Activation Zone (22.5 sq km) is complete for industries and global companies
• Gradual expansion to the full 922.5 sq km for long-term sustainability

Public–Private Collaboration Model

Combining government guidance and private expertise ensures:

• Faster execution
• High-quality infrastructure
• Investor-friendly policies

Why Dholera Matters for Investors and Stakeholders

Global Expertise Adds Credibility

International planners like Halcrow and AECOM provide:

• Assured quality and adherence to global standards
• Scalable infrastructure suitable for mega industries

Indicators of a Well-Planned City

Key features reflecting Dholera’s urban quality:

• Plug-and-play industrial plots
• Underground utilities
• Structured TP schemes
• Integrated digital city management

Connectivity & Industrial Potential

• Dholera airport will enhance domestic and international cargo and passenger connectivity
• Close to Ahmedabad–Baroda Express Highway and Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway
• Proximity to Tata Semiconductor Fab and other mega industry projects

Investment Outlook

• Dholera plot price rising steadily due to global-standard planning
• Opportunities across renewable energy engineering, industrial solar panels, and high-tech manufacturing
• Strong government support for Smart City projects in India

Conclusion: Dholera - India’s Blueprint for Future Cities

Dholera Smart City combines global urban expertise, plug-and-play infrastructure, and sustainable design to create a future-ready industrial and residential hub. It sets a benchmark for India’s next-generation smart cities, attracting investors, industries, and global companies. With ongoing projects like Dholera International Airport, Tata Semiconductor Fab, and the Dholera Solar Park, the city promises a blend of economic growth, modern living, and world-class urban planning.