The Gujarat government, headed by Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, recently allocated a considerable amount of funding towards the Dholera International Airport in its budget, establishing its strategic role within the regional development ecosystem and reaffirming its ambitions for Dholera to serve as a global industrial and smart hub.
Allocation and Budget Overview
A significant allocation for the Greenfield airport project as part of the FY 2024-2025 was made when Minister Desai allocated Rs.122.26 crore as share capital for the Dholera International Airport Company Ltd. (DIACL) in his Rs. 3.70 lacs crore state budget. In addition, another Rs. 15.50 crore was also allocated to complete a wholesome water supply, which is essential to underpin the airport supply infrastructure and future expansions to the airport.
At the same time, the budget also allocates Rs. 210 crore towards enhancements at other key airports and Rs. 25 crore towards supporting smaller airports in Gujarat, which include Vadnagar, Dholavira, Kevadiya, Dhordo, Ankleshvar (Phase 2), and Siddhpur.
This financial support comes at just the right time for Dholera. Dholera corresponds to a (planned) 920 km smart industries city on the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor where major infrastructure is planned, including an international airport and expressway in the near future.
Shaping Dholera For The Future
The Ahmedabad–Dholera corridor, which includes a current Rs. 200 crore expenditure on road, rail, and township infrastructure, is nearing completion, establishing the airport as an important chain for both passenger and freight transport.
The Union Cabinet’s grant of advance authorization for the project has enhanced country-wide connectivity: Phase I of the airport, costing Rs. 1,305 crore, is approved, and it is directed to be commissioned four years following the grant of approval.
How is The Budget Being Invested Into Rural Improvement Works?
The share capital allocation provides DIACL the necessary capital to fast-track both land acquisition and civil works. In recent official news, landowners have been paid Rs. 6.56 crore for the airport footprint.
Additionally, the water infrastructure will satisfy the region’s demanding hydrological needs and provide Rs. 15.50 crore to ensure future port, cargo areas, and ancillary services will have enduring capabilities.
The Rs. 25 crore airport clusters financing also demonstrates the region’s objective to strengthen regional cooperation and connectivity through aviation.
Key Advantages:
Increased connectivity: The Dholera airport, located approximately 80 kilometers from Ahmedabad, is anticipated to divert traffic from the congested Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport and facilitate activities in the Dholera Special Investment Region.
Development of Industries: Vertical growth of companies and industries: The airport will play a central role in important supply chains, logistics routes, and supply centers thanks to air cargo. Thanks to projects like the NextGen semiconductor plant and Tata semiconductor fab that lower the barriers to entry, Dholera will be appealing for imports, exports, and logistics.
Economic development: The construction and operation of the airport is expected to create thousands of jobs across sectors like construction, air transportation, commercial retail, lodging, freight logistics, and increase attractiveness to international investment.
What’s The Next Move?
With DIACL awarding Rs. 333 crore in January 2024 for the passenger terminal, runway, and ATC/air traffic control tower, and the center authorizing Rs. 305 crore for Phase I in mid-2022. The business site is already being prepared. The budget funds will expedite land acquisition and availability of the facilities to take advantage of the anticipated opening of the Ahmedabad–Dholera expressway, with the aim to commission by 2026.
Source By:- https://deshgujarat.com/
