Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s aviation infrastructure is poised for a major boost with the Dholera Greenfield Airport on track for completion by December 2025, according to data presented in Parliament by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.

The ministry clarified that there has been no extension to the project’s original deadline and “expected date of completion of Dholera Greenfield Airport project is December 2025.”

Located near the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), the airport is part of the Government of India’s broader initiative to expand regional air connectivity under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008.

Strategically planned to serve Dholera SIR, the airport aims to enhance both passenger and cargo operations, benefiting industries, trade centers, and new urban areas. It is also expected to ease traffic congestion currently faced by Ahmedabad airport.

In response to a question from Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin, MoS Mohol also stated that under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, the Gujarat government had identified 11 new sites for greenfield airports. Airports Authority of India (AAI) received request for Pre-Feasibility Studies only for 8 sites identified by the State Government as per Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between GoG and AAI.

“As per Pre-Feasibility Study 5 (five) sites i.e Morbi, Dhordo, Rajpipla, Dahod & Dwarka were found feasible and 3 sites i.e Palitana, Botad & Rajula were not found feasible. Request for conducting Pre-Feasibility Studies for the remaining sites at Ankleshwar, Ambaji, & Dholavira has not been received by AAI from the GoG.”

As for expanding existing airports, Gujarat has nine airstrips and airports; six are under AAI, while three belong to the state government. Additional land for expansion has so far been received only for Keshod Airport. Meanwhile, in respect of 3 airstrips of GoG, a Pre-Feasibility study was undertaken for Amreli and it was not found feasible for expansion. Request for undertaking Pre Feasibility Studies at remaining 2 (two) sites at Mehsana & Mandvi has not been received from GoG.

The minister also noted that land acquisition and related clearances remain crucial steps, but specific delays were not detailed in the reply.