Global CEOs Advocate for Strengthened Ecosystem at Gujarat SemiConnect 2026
During the inauguration of Gujarat SemiConnect 2026 in Gandhinagar, chief executives from leading global firms highlighted the critical need for a more robust ecosystem to support the burgeoning semiconductor manufacturing sector in the state. They called for enhanced ancillary investment, access to skilled talent, and the development of comprehensive social infrastructure in key industrial zones such as Sanand and Dholera.
Tata Electronics Emphasizes Infrastructure and Workforce Development
Randhir Thakur, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Electronics, underscored the importance of timely social infrastructure development to accommodate the growing workforce at Dholera. "Timely development of social infrastructure is essential to support the workforce at Dholera. We currently have at least 7,000 people working on site and at peak, will have 20,000 jobs," Thakur stated.
Tata Electronics, in collaboration with Taiwan's PSMC, is constructing a massive Rs 91,000-crore AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility at Dholera. Thakur elaborated on the project's strong physical infrastructure backing, noting that a new four-lane highway has reduced travel time to 60 minutes. Additionally, the facility benefits from redundant, clean, and uninterrupted power supply, along with a water capacity exceeding 100 million litres per day.
Future enhancements include plans for an international air cargo terminal and high-speed rail connectivity, which are expected to significantly improve accessibility for global partners. Thakur also highlighted the international expertise being integrated into the project, with expatriates from 16 countries already onboarded and 300 employees trained in Taiwan, bringing advanced skills in areas such as process engineering tools and lithography to Gujarat.
Micron Stresses Speed and Local Presence in Supply Chain
At the same event, Micron Technology, which recently inaugurated Phase 1 of its ATMP plant at Sanand, emphasized the critical role of speed and local presence in the semiconductor supply chain. Sanjay Mehrotra, Chairman, President, and CEO of Micron Technology, remarked, "In semiconductors, the supply chain must move at the speed of light. Proximity matters. Local presence and local end-support and services matter. When the equipment is down, we need spare parts immediately, as speed is the competitive advantage in this era."
Mehrotra encouraged partners to deepen and expand their footprint in India, positioning themselves closer to the action to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in the fast-paced semiconductor industry.
Industry Experts Call for Improved Accommodation and Social Amenities
Industry leaders also pointed out the pressing need for better housing and social infrastructure to support the workforce. Currently, a majority of personnel working at Sanand reside in Ahmedabad, resulting in a daily commute of approximately two hours. To mitigate this, experts advocate for the establishment of housing facilities, along with essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and recreational centers in the vicinity.
An anonymous industry leader told TOI, "At present, a majority of personnel working at Sanand stay in Ahmedabad, which adds about 2 hours of daily commute time. To reduce this, it is important that housing and accommodation facilities and, subsequently, social infrastructure like schools, hospitals and recreational facilities are also set up there. A number of expats come in for these projects, as a result of which food and other supplies also need to be ensured."
This call for improved infrastructure aims to create a more sustainable and attractive environment for both local and international talent, thereby supporting the long-term growth of India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
