New Delhi: The government ministry of finance, via the central board of indirect taxes and customs (CBIC), has released a press release that formally designates Dholera as an officially recognized customs port in Gujarat.
According to the official notification, Dholera SIR is now permitted to handle the unloading of imported goods and the loading of export goods, or any category of such goods. This beneficial decision represents an important advancement in improving Gujarat’s custom infrastructure and logistics. Furthermore, Dholera International Airport is scheduled to begin inauguration in the upcoming months of 2025, initially focusing on international air cargo service using freighter and passenger aircraft. Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL) released an announcement for a tender from a contractor for the operation and management of the international cargo terminal and ground handling facilities at the airport for a duration of 7 years, according to a report.
Strategic Importance of this step:
The first Greenfield smart city Dholera belongs in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and is planned as India’s first Platinum Rated industrial smart city. The announcement of a custom port is an important step in establishing comprehensive logistic and supply chain capabilities in the region.
This custom port decision will enable businesses in Dholera and the wider Ahmedabad district to ship goods directly through the port, eliminating the need for facilities in other cities and thereby reducing transmit time and cost.
One Step for The Economic Development
Experts believes that the new designation will greatly advantage industries establishing operations in the DSIR, particularly in areas like electronic manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, renewable energy, and defense. Anticipated to drive growth in related infrastructure such as multi-model transport, cold storage, and warehousing.
“The custom department’s notification directly indicates to investors that Dholera is set up for extensive industrial activities.” The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation’s senior said, “It reduces a significant obstacle and positions Dholera closest to its goal of becoming a global manufacturing and export hub.
Dholera SIR has a strong infrastructure foundation, including Dholera International Airport, the DMIC 6-lane expressway highway dedicated to freight corridor connectivity, and many essential developments. This custom port title positions the region to operate as a self-sustaining manufacturing ecosystem and logistic.
As India’s goal is to boost its manufacturing innovation through initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the establishment of smart trade-enabling infrastructure regions likes Dholera.
RSC Group, a leading real estate company in Dholera’s development, supports the customs port notification as a transformative milestone for the area. RSC Group is ready to contribute to the transformation of Dholera into a global industrial and export hub, in keeping with India’s vision for a smart, self-sustaining economic zone.
Custom Port Notification Detail
No. 25/2025-Customs (N.T.)
Date: 15th April, 2025
