Gujarat has moved decisively ahead of other major states in development spending, signalling a clear intent to convert infrastructure investment into long-term economic growth. Capital expenditure has jumped sharply, reflecting a sustained focus on roads, ports, industrial clusters, and new urban centres. The impact is visible on the ground. Employment opportunities are expanding, private investment is accelerating, and real estate demand is rising well beyond the traditional urban cores.
Rather than concentrating growth in a single metro, Gujarat’s strategy appears deliberately spread out. From global financial hubs and green energy parks to manufacturing towns and port cities, multiple centres are emerging simultaneously, reshaping the state’s economic geography.
Ahmedabad and Dholera: old core, new future
Ahmedabad remains Gujarat’s economic anchor, but the city’s next phase is being shaped just beyond its boundaries. Dholera Special Investment Region is fast taking form as a planned industrial and urban centre, supported by expressway connectivity, an upcoming international airport, and integrated infrastructure.
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is progressing steadily and is expected to significantly cut travel time once completed. Large-scale use of recycled industrial waste in construction underlines the project’s sustainability focus. Within Dholera SIR, core infrastructure is largely in place, with the first phase nearing readiness. The prospect of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is also expected to accelerate upgrades across Ahmedabad, adding momentum to real estate and commercial development.
Gandhinagar: GIFT City drives the next wave
Gandhinagar’s transformation is closely tied to the rise of GIFT City. What began as a financial services hub is now evolving into a broader technology and global capability centre ecosystem. The state’s new policy aimed at attracting global capability centres is already yielding results, with major IT and consulting firms setting up development hubs.
Large corporations are starting with modest teams but have laid out expansion plans, indicating confidence in the city’s long-term potential. The presence of financial institutions, energy companies, and international partnerships is steadily pushing Gandhinagar into Gujarat’s next growth orbit.
Surat: beyond diamonds and textiles
Surat is reinventing itself through long-term urban and economic planning. While textiles and diamonds remain important, the city is now positioning itself as a diversified industrial and logistics hub. The Surat Economic Region plan aims to integrate neighbouring areas into a single growth zone, targeting massive job creation by mid-century.
Connectivity is central to this shift. The city will host one of the early stations on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, while airport expansion plans signal expectations of rising passenger and business traffic. Together, these projects are reshaping Surat’s real estate and commercial landscape.
Jamnagar: energy capital in transition
Jamnagar’s identity is undergoing a fundamental change. Long known for refining, the city is now emerging as a clean energy and technology hub. Large-scale investments in solar manufacturing, battery systems, green hydrogen, and data infrastructure are repositioning Jamnagar at the centre of India’s energy transition.
The commissioning of initial manufacturing lines marks a tangible shift from planning to execution. Alongside industrial expansion, digital infrastructure projects are bringing high-value employment into the region, setting the stage for sustained urban growth.
Vadodara: connectivity changes the equation
Vadodara is benefiting directly from improved regional connectivity. The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway has reduced travel time and opened up new development pockets around the city. Areas once considered peripheral are now seeing rising interest from both homebuyers and businesses.
Urban mobility improvements around the railway station and road upgrades are strengthening Vadodara’s appeal as a well-connected commercial centre, supporting steady real estate absorption.
Rajkot and Bhavnagar: infrastructure fuels regional growth
Rajkot is leveraging fresh public investment to modernise its civic infrastructure. Road upgrades, water systems, housing projects, and sports facilities are improving liveability while supporting its strong small-industry base.
On the coast, Bhavnagar is emerging as a strategic port and industrial city. Large-scale investments in port expansion, logistics, and green energy are reshaping its economic role. With container terminals and cargo facilities on the way, Bhavnagar is positioning itself as a key node in Gujarat’s maritime economy.
A distributed growth model
Gujarat’s development story is no longer about one city. By spreading infrastructure investment across multiple urban centres, the state is building a more balanced, resilient growth model that links jobs, industry, and real estate across regions.
