Dr. P. K. Mishra Leads Intensive Review of Infrastructure Projects in Dholera and Lothal

Dr. Mishra began his tour at the Ahmedabad–Dholera Greenfield Expressway, an ambitious infrastructure project executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, conducted a series of critical site inspections and high-level meetings on June 16, 2025, in Dholera and Lothal, Gujarat. His visit focused on reviewing infrastructure projects vital to the region’s transformation into a global industrial and economic hub, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s long-term development vision for Gujarat.

Expressway to Empower: Ahmedabad–Dholera Greenfield Corridor

Dr. Mishra began his tour at the Ahmedabad–Dholera Greenfield Expressway, an ambitious infrastructure project executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Designed to cut travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera from over two hours to just 45 minutes, this expressway is expected to become a critical artery for trade and mobility. Dr. Mishra stressed the importance of global-quality standards in construction and urged stakeholders to expedite work to meet timelines.

Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR): Aviation and Electronics Take Center Stage

At the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), Dr. Mishra conducted a detailed assessment of the under-construction Dholera International Airport, which is poised to handle cargo operations by October 2025. Officials provided an update on airside and landside infrastructure progress. Dr. Mishra emphasized seamless connectivity with the expressway and directed teams to ensure that airport operations commence as scheduled.

The review also included a visit to Tata Electronics’ Semiconductor Fabrication (Fab) plant, a flagship Make-in-India initiative. The facility aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in chip manufacturing for smartphones, consumer electronics, and the automotive sector. Dr. Mishra evaluated the project’s production targets, capacity-building roadmap, and its integration within the broader electronics supply chain.

Smart Social Infrastructure: Hospitals, Schools, and Livable Housing

In line with Dholera’s “live–work–play” urban development model, Dr. Mishra visited integrated social infrastructure projects developed by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL). These included newly built schools, hospitals, and residential clusters for industrial workers and professionals. Stressing the importance of community-centric planning, he called for real-time feedback loops from future residents and stakeholders to enhance usability and quality of life.

Strategic Coordination: Comprehensive Multi-Agency Review

A high-level review meeting chaired by Dr. Mishra brought together senior officials from DICDL, DIACL, NHAI, the Airports Authority of India, and Indian Railways. The discussions covered multiple critical infrastructure pillars:

• Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway

• Bhimnath–Dholera Freight Rail Link

• Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail Line

• Dholera International Airport

Dr. Mishra reiterated the Government of Gujarat’s unwavering commitment to positioning Dholera as a global-standard smart industrial city. He highlighted the need for synchronizing civil infrastructure, utility services, and workforce development. Special emphasis was placed on forward-looking planning to ensure scalability and resilience.

Maritime Heritage in Lothal: A Tribute to India’s Ancient Seafaring Prowess

The inspection extended to Lothal, where Dr. Mishra reviewed the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)—a first-of-its-kind initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. During a strategy session with MoPSW Secretary Shri T. Ramachandran and senior officials from the Gujarat Maritime Board, Archaeological Survey of India, NHAI, and Indian Railways, Dr. Mishra laid out a vision for NMHC as a knowledge and cultural institution.

He called for scholarly rigor in curating the museum’s content—from the Harappan civilization to India’s naval history—through robust academic partnerships. His visit included inspection of Phase I-A, featuring six experiential galleries, with a clear directive for completion by August 2025.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Dr. Mishra also evaluated ongoing environmental sustainability efforts across all project sites. These included the planting of local flora, green buffer zones, water management innovations, and the use of renewable energy solutions. The aim is to make Dholera and Lothal not only economic powerhouses but also models of ecological resilience.

A High-Powered Delegation

Dr. Mishra was accompanied by senior PMO officials including Shri Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Shri Mangesh Ghildiyal, Deputy Secretary, PMO. Their presence reinforced the Prime Minister’s deep engagement in these strategic projects.

Dr. Mishra’s visit underscored the government’s resolve to fast-track high-impact infrastructure in Gujarat, creating a dynamic corridor of innovation, manufacturing, and cultural legacy. These projects are set to redefine India’s global industrial footprint and preserve its ancient maritime heritage.