Dholera seems to be slowly turning into a possible hub for making computer chips. This could happen by following past trends or learning from Robert Kaplan’s “The Revenge of Geography.” India, a leader in the digital revolution, anticipates advanced chip manufacturers relocating facilities due to evolving global geopolitics.
Moreover, we anticipate the manufacturing process to take place in the next two to three years. It will take advantage of a fast-growing market for semiconductors. India’s government interventions enhance its competitive edge. These include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, smart infrastructure development, and a focus on skill development.
These well-placed facilities are ready to smoothly become part of worldwide supply chains. Consequently, they display remarkable export potential. While ongoing, Dholera shows potential to become the hub of our future digital civilization.
There has been considerable discussion about the proposed Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor and display manufacturing facility in Dholera, Gujarat. Additionally, Dholera, a centuries-old port city, is rich in history and located at the center of the Gulf of Khambhat.
The Gulf of Khambhat is a large area that includes a significant portion of the Eastern Saurashtra coast. It holds remains from the oldest civilization in the subcontinent. At the mouth of the Gulf of Khambhat, you can find the famous Harappan port town of Lothal.
Additionally, they discovered historical artifacts at Hathab on the southwest shore of the Gulf. Moreover, they found discoveries in Vallabhi on the western coast. Dholera had long-standing land roads connecting various port towns.It was probably a major trade hub and a center of globalization. Furthermore, Dholera may play a significant role in chip fabrication in the future, as suggested by captivating media coverage.
Historical Journey
The proposed Vedanta-Foxconn project holds promise given Dholera’s historical significance and advantageous location.
Additionally, the Gulf of Khambhat, which includes historical sites like Lothal and continuous archaeological discoveries, highlights the importance of Dholera. Moreover, Dholera played a historical role as a center of global trade. Well-documented land connections support linking it to other port towns.
Moreover, Dholera becoming a chip-making hub fits broader global trends, potentially relocating chip factories to India in the future. Furthermore, viewpoints from geography, such as those in Robert Kaplan’s “The Revenge of Geography,” help us grasp Dholera’s strategic importance.
To sum up, Dholera’s shift from a historic port city to a potential chip production center is an intriguing tale. Smart city is ready to make a big impact on chip manufacturing in the future as India leads the digital revolution.
Dholera: Advancing as a Smart City Hub
Dholera is a smart city project. It received a platinum rating for its Greenfield status. Furthermore, it is one of 32 projects under India’s National Industrial Corridor Development initiative.
Taiwan’s Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and Vedanta Group are working together. They plan to build a $20 billion semiconductor fabrication plant, a major investment in India’s semiconductor industry.
Smart City has a strategic location reserved for this plant. Moreover, it will commence construction soon, targeting operational status within a well-defined timeframe. The government of India has announced a unique $10 billion production-linked incentive. This is to attract investments in the semiconductor industry. This groundbreaking policy, therefore, surpasses any similar policy worldwide.
Furthermore, Gujarat’s semiconductor policy enhances the industry by providing subsidies, land, tariffs, and other associated benefits. Consequently, these policies collectively create a favorable environment for the semiconductor industry in Dholera.
Internal and External Connectivity of Dholera
Creating new fabrication facilities requires a supportive environment with connectivity, energy, water purity, and a skilled workforce. Moreover, these are vital elements, that form the foundation for advanced, error-free, and high-maintenance facilities.
Regarding connectivity, Dholera will have a cargo-capable airport. Additionally, there are nearby airports in Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The location is close to Pipavav, Mundhra, Kandla, and the upcoming Bhavnagar seaports. Furthermore, this facilitates supply chains through multiple seaports.
Proximity to the western freight corridor, broad gauge rail connectivity, and ongoing construction of the Ahmedabad-Dholera expressway add to connectivity. In terms of power supply, considerations include built-in redundancies. However, two DisComs offer lower tariffs.
Dholera Solar Park
Torrent Power and Tata Power’s 4400 MW solar park contribute to power availability. The Solar Park, located about 80km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is a significant solar power project developed in two phases.
Gujarat Urja Nigam Limited (GUVN) is spearheading the project through a collaboration between the public and private sectors.
This involves partnerships with Gujarat Power Corporation, Gujarat Electric Transmission Corporation, Solar Energy Corporation, and Power Grid Corporation of India.
In the first phase, GPCL is putting in Rs5bn ($695m) for a 1GW capacity. The next phase, targeting 4GW, will be handled by SECI with an estimated investment of Rs20bn ($2.7bn).
The solar park is crucial in the government’s plan to create India’s leading Greenfield smart city project, declared in 2009. It is in line with the government’s target to achieve 175 GW of clean energy by 2022. Conditional approval for the first phase was received in February 2019.
Smart City Wastewater Treatment
To reduce fresh water usage for industry, the Gujarat government is implementing two projects. Additionally, these projects include the transportation of treated wastewater from Ahmedabad to Dholera and Mandal-Becharaji. A bulk water pipeline, covering a maximum distance of 90 km. This initiative follows the state’s plan to reuse treated wastewater. The goal is to reduce dependence on the Narmada Yojana for water.
Water recycling, with a commitment to 100 MLD for water-intensive facilities, is a key part of planning.
Notably, Dholera plans modern infrastructure for wastewater treatment, sewage treatment, and reservoirs up to 20 ML capacity. The location integrates green spaces, commercial areas, a modern control center, and residences for the workforce.
The investment region is carefully designed with underground utilities, stormwater drains, and smart traffic monitoring. Additionally, it uses sensor-based power management and aims for zero water wastage.
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