Gujarat is driving India’s dream to become the global hub of the semiconductor industry. With the vision of the Union government, its policy support, infrastructure development, and incentives, the state is the most preferred choice for semiconductor investments. Gujarat hosted the recently concluded ‘Gujarat SemiConnect 2025’ where more than 1,500 delegates, including senior government functionaries, industry leaders, MSMEs, start-ups, incubators, and academia from across the globe, participated. The event was hosted by the department of science & technology and presided over by chief minister Bhupendra Patel and other key stakeholders, including Tata, Micron, and many other world leaders in the Semicon industry. The event provided key insights into policy framework and visionary strategies to shape the future of the semiconductor and electronics sectors. Mona Khandhar, principal secretary, DST, GOG, said: “A robust semiconductor & ESDM sector has the potential to transform India’s economy, enhance innovation, and strengthen national security. Hosting the second edition of the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference, including Building Local to Global Value Chain, IESA Vision Summit, and ISPEC, underscores the state’s pivotal role in India’s semiconductor revolution and our commitment to establishing Gujarat as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.” Dholera-SIR, a burgeoning city in Gujarat, is poised to become a significant hub of economic growth and technological innovation in India. With ambitious plans for a semiconductor city, a bustling international airport, robust semiconductor ecosystem, world-class road infrastructure, Dholera is set to transform the region’s economic landscape and contribute to India’s progress. In this article, we explore the key aspects of Dholera’s future, including its economic impact, airport growth, semiconductor ecosystem, changing migration patterns, green energy initiatives, the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, and the Garvi Gujarat High-Speed Corridor Project. Economic Impact: A Trillion-Dollar Semiconductor City By 2047, Dholera’s semiconductor city is projected to contribute an astounding $1 trillion to the Indian economy. This ambitious goal is rooted in the city’s strategic vision to become a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and technology. The establishment of the semiconductor city will attract significant foreign investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth in the region. The semiconductor industry is critical to modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to advanced medical devices and automobiles. By positioning itself as a key player in this industry, Dholera will not only boost its own economy but also strengthen India’s position in the global technology landscape. The economic benefits will extend beyond the city itself, positively impacting the entire state of Gujarat and the country. Display Manufacturing Unit: Step Towards Becoming Global Hub Recently, Tata Electronics announced plans to establish a display manufacturing unit in Dholera, Gujarat, in collaboration with Taiwan’s PSMC and Himax Technologies. This partnership aims to bolster India’s semiconductor chip production and complements Tata’s ongoing semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat. The display manufacturing unit will focus on producing display chips for various applications, including televisions, mobile phones, camera image sensors, LEDs, and OLEDs. The establishment of the display manufacturing unit will have a significant impact on Dholera’s journey towards becoming a global semiconductor and electronics hub. By expanding its presence in the display semiconductor segment, Tata Electronics will enhance Dholera’s capabilities in all three top semiconductor manufacturing segments. This development will attract further investment, create high-paying jobs, and drive technological advancements in the region. Opportunities for India’s Next Generation The development of a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Dholera will create numerous opportunities for India’s next generation. This ecosystem will encompass research and development, manufacturing, and supply chain management, providing a comprehensive environment for innovation and growth. One of the most significant benefits of this ecosystem will be its potential to reverse the brain drain that has historically plagued India. By offering attractive career opportunities, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment for innovation, Dholera will retain top talent within the country. This shift will not only benefit the individuals involved but also contribute to the overall progress and pride of the nation. India currently ranks third globally in chip design research papers, showcasing its prowess in the semiconductor industry. Between 2018 and 2023, Indian organisations contributed 39,709 research papers, accounting for 8.4 per cent of the global share. This achievement reflects India’s growing influence in the semiconductor industry, particularly in research and development. The establishment of the semiconductor ecosystem in Dholera will further bolster India’s position in this field, attracting global attention and investment. The collaboration between industry, academia, and government will drive advancements in technology, create new business opportunities, and ensure that India remains at the forefront of global innovation. The benefits will extend beyond the semiconductor industry, positively impacting various sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, and automotive. Impact On Indian Economy The semiconductor sector’s growth will have a profound impact on the Indian economy in the coming days. The increased focus on semiconductor research and manufacturing will drive technological advancements, create high-paying jobs, and attract significant foreign investment. The government’s initiatives, such as the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), aim to establish a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country. The semiconductor industry’s expansion will also reduce India’s reliance on imports, enhancing national security and technological self-reliance. The development of domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities will mitigate global supply chain vulnerabilities and position India as a key player in the global electronics value chain. The economic impact of the semiconductor sector will extend to various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence. The rising demand for IoT, AI integration, and wireless communication products will drive the chip market’s growth. As India strengthens its semiconductor ecosystem, it will create new business opportunities, foster innovation, and contribute to the overall progress of the nation. Dholera As A Sustainable Industrial City Gujarat is looking to establish an entire industrial city running on green energy, and Dholera is at the forefront of this ambitious vision. The goal is to create a sustainable, environmentally friendly industrial city that leverages renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. It has a planned 5,000 MV Solar Power Park in implementation and 500 MV is already installed at Dholera. Dholera’s green energy initiatives will reduce the city’s carbon footprint, promote energy efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability. The development of a green industrial city will attract environmentally conscious businesses and investors, further boosting the region’s economic growth. Dholera will contribute to India’s broader goals of achieving energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning to a low carbon environment. Dholera International Airport: The Growth Driver Set to be built on an area of 1,426 hectares with two 4,000-meter runways, by 2036, Dholera International Airport is expected to surpass Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Baroda to become the busiest airport in Gujarat in terms of cargo movement. This growth is driven by Dholera’s strategic central location in Gujarat and proximity to all measure ports of Gujarat. The upcoming Marine Heritage Museum at Lothal, and probable hosting of upcoming 2036 Olympics are going to boost the traffic from Dholera International Airport. Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway: Enhancing Connectivity & Economic Growth The completion of the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway is a significant milestone in Gujarat’s infrastructure development. This 109-kilometer expressway, built at a cost of Rs 4,373 crore, will reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to just 40-45 minutes. The expressway will connect the Sardar Patel Ring Road in Ahmedabad with India’s first Greenfield Smart City, Dholera. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), a major infrastructure project designed to boost industrial activity, attract investment, and drive economic growth in Gujarat. Garvi Gujarat High-Speed Corridor Project The Garvi Gujarat High-Speed Corridor Project is a major infrastructure initiative announced in the Gujarat Budget 2025-26. This ambitious project will span 1,367 KM across 12 routes, enhancing transportation efficiency, reducing travel time, and supporting the state’s economic growth. The high-speed corridors will connect key industrial, tourist, and urban centres, improving road connectivity and facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods. The high-speed corridors will also enhance access to Dholera International Airport and the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, supporting the city’s growth as a major industrial and technological hub. Migration Patterns: Shifting from Urban Cities to Smart Cities Between 2027 and 2047, migration patterns in India are expected to undergo significant changes. Unskilled labour traditionally moves from villages to urban cities like Mumbai, Surat. Since India is gaining significant economic growth, reverse brain drain has begun. This high-skilled, high-paid workforce now needs good infrastructure, lesser travel time and smart facilities which greenfield smart cities like Dholera can offer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream has finally taken shape and the semiconductor tag to this industrial city will help it make its mark in the global arena. Since the city has been designed to host a population of 20 lakh, it’s a big opportunity for the real estate developers of the region. Dholera is also looking for aero-space manufacturing and OEM facilities to mark its presence and further its growth to the next level. The author is a researcher, columnist and social worker. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.