The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Gujarat, spanning approximately 109 km to connect Ahmedabad—the state’s commercial hub—with the emerging Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and beyond. As a key corridor under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), this expressway promises to significantly reduce travel time, bolster industrial growth, and enhance sustainable infrastructure in the region

Strategic Route and Design

This greenfield expressway begins near the Sardar Patel Ring Road at Sarkhej in Ahmedabad and travels southwest through locations such as Sindhrej and Vejalaka before entering the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). It finally concludes at Adhelai village, located in the Bhavnagar district.

The expressway is being constructed as a high-speed corridor with an initial four-lane configuration that is expandable up to eight lanes. It is designed for a top speed of 120 km/h, significantly reducing travel time and increasing vehicular capacity.

The alignment includes several major interchanges to connect key points of interest, including industrial zones, smart city clusters, and the upcoming Dholera International Airport. A special 9.56-kilometer link road will connect the expressway directly to the airport, ensuring seamless logistics and passenger movement. Key design features also include multiple underpasses, flyovers, cloverleaf junctions, and wildlife crossings to maintain environmental harmony and rural accessibility.

Construction Phases and Timeline

The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is divided into four engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) packages, each assigned to experienced infrastructure firms. The first package, from Sarkhej to Sindhrej, covers about 22 kilometers. The second package continues from Sindhrej to Vejalaka and spans around 26.5 kilometers. The third package from Vejalaka to Dholera SIR is approximately 22.5 kilometers long. The final stretch from Dholera SIR to Adhelai is about 38 kilometers.

The estimated total investment for the project is around ₹4,373 crore. By mid-2024, over 70 kilometers had been completed, with more than ₹3,900 crore already utilized. As of early 2025, the project was reported to be 91 percent complete, with the final phase expected to conclude by May–June 2025.

Boosting Regional Connectivity

The expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera from over two hours to just 40 to 45 minutes. This is a game-changer for daily commuters, industrial cargo transport, and tourism in the region.

Dholera SIR, which spans over 920 square kilometers, is being developed as a major industrial and smart urban hub with planned zones for manufacturing, defense, aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy. The expressway plays a critical role in providing fast and reliable access to this region, boosting investor confidence and accelerating economic activity.

Economic Impact and Investment Potential

The expressway is expected to act as a magnet for both industrial and real estate investments. Several major companies have already announced or initiated projects in the Dholera region, including a 300 MW solar park, electronics manufacturing hubs, logistics centers, and India’s first commercial semiconductor fabrication unit by the Tata Group.

The development is projected to generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The expressway will not only facilitate faster goods movement but also act as an economic corridor that integrates urban centers, industrial clusters, and transport infrastructure.

The real estate sector is also seeing a sharp increase in activity. Land prices in areas near Vejalaka, Dholera, and Adhelai have been steadily rising, with residential and commercial developers showing keen interest in capitalizing on the improved accessibility.

Green & Sustainable Engineering

A major highlight of the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is its commitment to sustainability. The project has repurposed massive quantities of waste, including over 35 lakh cubic meters of recycled waste material and 173 lakh cubic meters of fly ash, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. This eco-conscious construction model has helped clean up and reclaim previously unusable land, including a 29-acre area formerly used as a waste dump.

Along the route, nearly 97,000 trees have been planted to create a green buffer zone. This helps in absorbing vehicle emissions, reducing heat, and improving the aesthetic appeal of the expressway. Dedicated wildlife crossings have also been incorporated to protect natural migration paths and reduce accidents.

Future-Ready Infrastructure

What sets the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway apart is its readiness for future mobility solutions. The design includes provisions for solar-powered street lighting, intelligent traffic management systems, monorail tracks, and dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles. Bus bays, emergency response stations, truck lay-bys, and rest areas are planned to ensure comfort and safety for both private travelers and commercial operators.

To enhance connectivity further, the expressway integrates rural access points, ensuring that surrounding villages remain well-connected to the new infrastructure. This is crucial for inclusive growth and socio-economic development in the region.

Addressing Engineering Challenges

Building a high-speed corridor over varied terrain, including salt marshes and flood-prone areas, posed numerous engineering challenges. To tackle this, road embankments in certain sections were elevated up to 15 meters. Special attention was given to foundation work, water drainage, and surface stabilization to ensure longevity and resilience against monsoonal damage.

The project also had to navigate regulatory hurdles and land acquisition complexities, which initially caused some delays. However, with strong coordination between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), contractors, and local governments, the project made remarkable progress and is nearing completion ahead of many forecasts.

Real Estate and Urban Development

As a direct result of the expressway, new residential townships, logistics parks, and commercial hubs are being planned or already under development. Locations along the expressway are experiencing rapid transformation, with land appreciation and demand surging especially near upcoming junctions and interchanges.

Dholera SIR is positioning itself as one of India’s most desirable destinations for investment, and the expressway is central to making this possible. With land parcels still relatively affordable compared to major metros, many investors are viewing this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Connection to Dholera International Airport

Another significant advantage of the expressway is its link to the under-construction Dholera International Airport. Expected to be operational by late 2025 or early 2026, this airport will further strengthen Dholera’s connectivity and position it as a regional trade and logistics hub.

The airport-expressway integration will make it easier for businesses to move goods and people efficiently, supporting the growth of export-oriented industries and boosting Gujarat’s role in global supply chains.

Vision for the Future

The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is much more than a road. It is a vital piece of infrastructure that ties together smart city development, economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable living. It represents Gujarat’s commitment to future-ready infrastructure and positions the state as a national leader in urban and industrial transformation.

As Dholera SIR evolves into a modern smart city with industries ranging from clean energy to electronics and defense, the expressway will be its main artery, facilitating seamless movement