Sanand, once known as India's Motown due to its thriving automobile manufacturing industry, is rapidly reinventing itself as a semiconductor hub. Driven by the arrival of global giants like Micron and CG Power, Gujarat govt providing land and building the necessary infrastructure. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive support system, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) is planning a new town planning (TP) scheme, earmarking 86 hectares of land for a domestic semiconductor and electronics supply chain ecosystem that is likely to solidify Gujarat's place on the global tech map.

The plan also includes provisions for essential social infrastructure to support the rapidly expanding industrial area. Think international schools, multispecialty hospitals, luxury hotels, shopping malls, parks, high-quality roads and smart transportation - all the elements of a modern, thriving community.

Auda's proposed TP Scheme No. 387 for Bol village will encompass land in Bol village adjacent to Sanand GIDC, including areas within the Gamtal Extension Zone (GME) and Industrial Zone 1 (IZ-1).

Auda's board approved the proposal on Feb 1 and authorised the chairman to draft the scheme, which will subsequently be submitted to the state govt. According to Auda's proposal, semiconductor packaging projects by major companies like Micron and CG Power are being established in Sanand under the India Semiconductor Mission. The development of a robust domestic semiconductor and electronics supply chain ecosystem, therefore, necessitates high-quality social infrastructure to attract and support businesses and residents.

Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad district collector's office has confirmed the presence of 24.62 lakh sq m of govt land in Northkotpura village, adjacent to Bol village. Of this, 13 lakh sq m have been leased to a private company for 50 years for an energy project, and 38,850 sq m have been allocated to the central govt's ESIC for a hospital. A recent issue arose regarding a DP road passing through the land allocated to the private company. Following a meeting chaired by the collector on Sep 5, 2024, with Auda officials and company representatives, the collector requested Auda's CEO to amend the draft plan. This resulted in a change in the DP road alignment to accommodate the company's project. These projects in Northkotpura are also located near the new TP scheme area, further highlighting the rapid development of the region. The town, which is around 40km from Ahmedabad, first came into the limelight when late industrialist Rata Tata announced that Tata Motors' car factory would be shifted from Singur in West Bengal to Sanand in 2008.