In the heart of Gujarat, India, a futuristic vision is rapidly taking shape. Dholera Smart City, once a concept, is now transforming into a metropolis set to redefine urban living. This greenfield city, built from the ground up, embodies the aspirations of a modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced urban environment.
Vision and Planning
Dholera Smart Cityscape is a flagship project under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), aiming to create smart urban centers and industrial zones. The project’s vision is to develop a global manufacturing and trading hub with world-class infrastructure. Spanning over 920 square kilometers, Dholera is on course to become the largest greenfield city globally with a projected population of 2 million by 2040.
The city’s zones include residential, industrial, and recreational areas, ensuring balanced development. Planners like Michael, a City Clerk from New York, study Dholera’s case for future applications in the City of Greenfield.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Dholera’s location approximately 100 miles southwest of Ahmedabad enhances its appeal. Its proximity to the Dedicated Freight Corridor and a planned international airport provides excellent connectivity, attracting investors and businesses.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) oversees state-of-the-art infrastructure with wide roads, public transport, and dedicated bicycle lanes. The Integrated Smart Airport and Dholera International Convention Centre support economic growth and international reach.
Smart Utilities and Sustainability
Dholera incorporates intelligent water and electricity systems. IoT sensors manage resources in real-time, reducing waste and ensuring reliability. Renewable energy, especially solar power, supports the sustainable goals of this greenfield city.
Green practices such as rainwater harvesting, solid waste management, and energy-efficient buildings are built into Metropolis’s design. Parks and open spaces contribute to healthy living, a model studied globally and published in regular newsletters each Friday.
Technology and Governance
(Greenfield recreation Newsletter, June, April, August, & October, homeowners, Michael, DPW, September, Thursday & Friday)
Smart Governance and E-Services
An integrated command center manages Metropolis operations like traffic, utilities, and emergencies. E-governance initiatives make public services accessible, including registration processes for homeowners, especially active in April, June, August, September, and October.
IoT and Data-Driven Management
IoT devices monitor traffic, air quality, and energy use. Smart traffic and waste systems ensure efficiency and hygiene. These systems are critical for sustaining urban living and inform planning in Metropolis like Greenfield.
Innovation and Employment
Business Zones and Startups
Dholera hosts zones for tech parks and innovation centers. These spaces offer high-speed internet and co-working areas, nurturing startups and research institutes.
Employment Opportunities
The city’s emphasis on industry and innovation generates jobs in manufacturing, research, and services. Educational centers support a skilled workforce, enhancing the city’s appeal.
Real Estate and Economic Growth
Dholera’s development is driving a real estate boom. With modern residential options and increasing demand for commercial spaces, investors expect strong returns. The city’s infrastructure and connectivity make it a preferred destination.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While promising, Dholera must ensure timely execution, manage sustainability, and attract continuous investment. With success, the greenfield city model could inspire smart urban centers globally.
What is a greenfield city and how does it differ from traditional urban development?
A greenfield city is a planned urban area built from scratch on undeveloped land, emphasizing sustainability and modern infrastructure. Unlike traditional urban development, which often involves expanding or renovating existing urban centers, greenfield projects allow for innovative designs and the integration of green technologies from the outset.
Conclusion: Greenfield City
Dholera Smart City symbolizes India’s vision for the future—a blend of sustainability, technology, and efficient governance. As the Master-planned city rises, it redefines urban development for the 21st century.
Its journey offers valuable lessons for urban planners, Cityscape clerks, and departments of public works worldwide. The transformation of this land into a smart urban hub continues to inspire new models of development from Greenfield, New York, to emerging cities across the globe.
