Surat Emerges as India's Fastest-Growing City with Major Development Push
In a significant boost to urban infrastructure, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated development projects worth Rs 342 crore in Surat on Saturday. This move underscores Surat's remarkable transformation into a national model for cleanliness, sustainable development, and economic vitality.
Massive Investment in Urban Development
CM Patel launched development works valued at Rs 173.78 crore executed by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and laid the foundation stone for additional projects worth Rs 169 crore. The comprehensive initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and solidify Surat's position as a growth engine for Gujarat.
"Today, Surat city has become an excellent model of development, cleanliness, and urbanisation across the country," stated CM Patel. "Surat's cleanliness is the result of transformative changes and the people's unwavering commitment to hygiene. The city has now surpassed major metropolises like Mumbai in terms of cleanliness, discipline, and modern urban planning."
Surat: A Beacon of Progress and 'Mini India'
Highlighting Surat's rapid ascent, CM Patel emphasized that the city is not only the fastest-growing in India but also a melting pot of cultures. "Due to vast industrial development, people from all over India have settled here for employment, earning Surat the title of 'Mini India'," he noted. Known globally as the diamond and textile capital, Surat is also leading the way in green mobility and sustainable urban initiatives.
The Chief Minister further elaborated on Surat's role in national development, stating, "Cities like Surat are hubs of economic dynamism in the country, driving the journey from 'Developed Gujarat to Developed India'. The Rs 342 crore development works will significantly enhance the 'Ease of Living' for city dwellers."
Key Projects and Housing Redevelopment
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of 1,304 redeveloped houses in the Gotalawadi Tenement, Katargam area, under the state government's Public Housing Redevelopment Scheme-2016. This project, executed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, was unveiled in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi and Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil.
"The beneficiary families will receive safe, modern, and comfortable housing through this redevelopment," CM Patel assured, adding that Surat has made significant strides in air pollution control, e-mobility, and public housing schemes.
Infrastructure and Cultural Enhancements
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi outlined the government's commitment to equitable development across Surat. "Public facilities have expanded in Katargam, Varachha, and Mota Varachha," he said. Notably, a state-of-the-art library costing Rs 70 crore is set to open in Katargam within three months, promising to brighten the futures of thousands of youth.
The newly-constructed Atal Bihari Vajpayee auditorium in Dabholi will serve as a vital platform for youth, art enthusiasts, and residents of Katargam, Varachha, and surrounding areas. "This modern auditorium will give a new direction to cultural and social activities in Surat," Sanghvi added.
Sustainability and Future Vision
Emphasizing Surat's environmental efforts, Sanghvi revealed that the SMC saves approximately Rs 10 crore annually through solar energy adoption. "Projects like auditoriums, bridges, libraries, and schools are built not just for today but for future generations," he stressed, urging citizens to maintain these assets.
Union Minister C R Patil praised Surat's development pace, noting its evolution from an unclean city to India's number one clean city. "Surat Municipal Corporation has prepared a comprehensive water system plan for the next 50 years and leads the country with over 123 bridges," he said. Remarkably, SMC earns Rs 400 crore yearly from wastewater treatment, projected to rise to Rs 700 crore, making it the first municipal corporation in India to achieve such revenue from this source.
CM Patel concluded by linking Surat's progress to national goals, stating, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' is being realized. Our resolve to build a developed India by 2047 will be fulfilled through collective cooperation."
