Surat: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday announced the establishment of eight new Smart Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates across five districts in South Gujarat, marking a key highlight of the inaugural day of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat.
Smart GIDC Estates: Coverage and Features
The eight new Smart GIDCs will span approximately 5,380 acres across Bharuch, Navsari, Surat, Tapi, and Valsad districts. These estates will be equipped with integrated, technology-enabled infrastructure designed to enhance industrial efficiency, improve the ease of doing business, and boost investment readiness.
Part of Broader State Initiative
This initiative aligns with the state government's larger plan to transform 25 existing GIDC estates into Smart GIDCs, with an investment of Rs 1,250 crore. The upgrade focuses on strengthening water, electricity, gas, and digital networks through modern, tech-enabled systems to enhance operational efficiency and business ease.
Calling South Gujarat a major industrial powerhouse, Patel emphasized that the Smart GIDCs would strengthen the region's industrial ecosystem and create new employment opportunities. "These smart estates will take South Gujarat's industrial infrastructure to new heights," he stated.
Conference Focus and Economic Plans
The conference aims to showcase the investment potential of six South Gujarat districts: Surat, Bharuch, Dang, Navsari, Tapi, and Valsad. Delegates were presented with the Surat Economic Development Plan 2047, which maps the region's strengths, from Surat's globally dominant diamond and textile sectors to the chemical and pharma clusters of Ankleshwar and Vapi.
Gujarat's Economic Transformation
Highlighting Gujarat's economic transformation over the past two decades, Patel noted that the state has moved beyond basic infrastructure constraints such as electricity, water, and roads to emerge as a preferred investment destination. "From addressing fundamental infrastructure gaps, Gujarat has built a model of balanced growth," he said.
Patel reported that Gujarat's tax revenue has grown from Rs 9,000 crore in 2001 to Rs 1.55 lakh crore currently, while installed power generation capacity has reached 53,000 MW. The state also accounts for 15% of India's renewable energy capacity.
Future Sectors and Master Plans
Patel added that Gujarat is rapidly expanding into future sectors such as semiconductors, with operational plants in Sanand and Dholera. Surat is emerging as a multimodal logistics hub, backed by freight corridors, ports, airports, metro rail, and the upcoming bullet train. He also mentioned that six regional economy master plans covering 29 mega projects have been prepared to align investments with each region's economic strengths.
Exhibition and Stakeholder Engagement
The CM inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition, spread over 12,000 square feet, showcasing advances in industry, agriculture, green energy, and services. He interacted with startups and industrialists, emphasizing private sector and youth participation.
