Introduction
Dholera International Airport is the greenfield airport being built to serve the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) and relieve Ahmedabad’s air traffic while providing a dedicated logistics/cargo gateway for the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). The project is being implemented by Dholera International Airport Company Ltd. (DIACL) with AAI, Government of Gujarat and NICDIT as partners.
Step-by-step progress (starting → now)
1) Early approvals & site selection (2013–2019)
Site clearance, environment clearances and initial feasibility work were completed in the 2013–2019 timeframe, and the project moved from planning to tendering under the Government’s Greenfield Airport policy. These preparatory approvals set the stage for the Phase-1 construction contracts.
2) Phase-1 civil works tendering and award (2021)
AAI issued tenders for Phase-1 civil works (runway, taxiways, aprons, access roads) and Varaha Infra emerged as the L1 bidder in mid-2021 to execute the Phase-1 civil package. This package covers the core airside infrastructure required for initial operations.
3) Cabinet funding & formal sanction of Phase-I (June 2022)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved Phase-I development in June 2022 at an estimated cost of ₹1,305 crore with a target completion window of 48 months. That formal sanction made central funds and official timelines available for executing Phase-1.
4) Terminal / ATC / cargo EPC contract awarded (Jan 2024)
DIACL awarded an EPC contract (₹333 crore) to Ahmedabad-based Yashnand Engineers & Contractors in Jan 2024 for the integrated passenger terminal building, ATC tower, cargo complex and environmental support systems — an 18-month construction schedule for that scope. This contract advanced the passenger & cargo buildings from design into hard construction.
5) Airside construction — runway, taxiway, aprons (2023–2025 on ground work)
Major airside works progressed rapidly: the Phase-1 runway (3,200 m, suitable for 4E category aircraft), parallel taxiway and apron areas were a primary focus. Recent ground reports and site images indicate significant completion of runway and taxiway surfaces and continuing apron/ancillary works.
6) Cargo complex & near-term cargo operations plan (mid-to-late 2025)
Local/industry updates report that the cargo complex is substantially complete or nearing completion, and DIACL and state sources have been planning to start initial cargo operations in mid-to-late 2025 (various reports mention June/July → Oct → Dec 2025 windows). Trial cargo flights and ground-handling commissioning are being scheduled ahead of full passenger operations. (Timelines vary by source; official trial/clearance dates depend on regulatory approvals.)
7) Testing, regulatory clearances & next milestones (now → operational)
Remaining tasks to reach operations: finish terminal fit-outs, complete ATC tower works, install ground-handling & baggage systems, DGCA/BCAS inspections and certifications, customs/border-clearance setup for international cargo, and final trial flights. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has presented the project as on-track for completion in the 2025–26 timeframe (many public sources cite a target of Dec 2025 for Phase-1/initial operations). Final dates will depend on completion of fit-outs and safety/regulatory approvals.
Short description of overall impact (one paragraph)
When Phase-1 is commissioned the airport will immediately boost Dholera SIR’s export/logistics capability (dedicated cargo handling), provide additional passenger capacity for Ahmedabad region, and strengthen the DMIC logistics network by offering a modern, greenfield air gateway close to large industrial areas. The combination of a 3.2 km runway, new cargo facilities and a modern passenger terminal will make Dholera a strategic transport node for industry and trade.
Conclusion — Where things stand now (concise)
Dholera International Airport has moved from approvals to heavy civil execution: Phase-1 funding is in place, airside works (runway/taxiway/apron) show major progress, an EPC contract for terminal/ATC/cargo was awarded and on-ground reports indicate the cargo complex and runway works are well advanced. The most commonly reported near-term objective is to begin initial cargo operations in 2025, with passenger operations and final commissioning following after regulatory testing and trial flights. Exact operational dates still depend on final fit-outs, safety certifications and clearances — but the project is one of Gujarat’s highest-priority infrastructure drives right now.
