Surat's Historic Clock Tower to Be Restored After Decades of Neglect
Surat's iconic 80-foot-tall Clock Tower, a historical landmark that has stood silent for decades, is finally set to undergo comprehensive repair and restoration. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has announced a significant provision in its draft budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year dedicated to reviving this architectural gem.
Budget Allocation for Heritage Revival
Surat Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan confirmed on Thursday that funds have been earmarked specifically for the restoration, maintenance, and repair of the vintage clock tower. "We have taken up the task to restart the closed clock tower on Raj Marg as it has historical importance," Nagarajan stated in an interview with The Indian Express. "We have made provision in the annual budget for its operation, repair, and maintenance. We will find an expert who can repair it, and a contract will be given for its operation and maintenance."
A Glimpse into History
The Surat Clock Tower, constructed in 1871, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest clock towers in India. It was built by Parsi merchant Khan Bahadur Burjorjee Mewangee Fraser at a cost of Rs 14,000 as a memorial to his father, Merwanjee Hormusjee Fraser. Strategically located in the middle of Zampa Bazaar on Raj Marg—connecting Surat Railway Station to Chowk Bazaar—the tower served a practical purpose in an era when wristwatches and pocket watches were unaffordable luxuries for many locals.
The tower's design features:
- A tall red-brick structure that remains visible from a distance, even to travelers in vehicles and buses.
- Four clock dials facing the cardinal directions, though these have been non-functional for an estimated 60-70 years.
- A spiral staircase leading to the upper floor, which has been closed to the public due to disrepair.
Decades of Disrepair
Despite its historical significance, the clock tower has languished in a state of neglect for over half a century. Sources indicate that the clock mechanism ceased working 60-70 years ago, with no prior efforts by authorities to restore it. This prolonged inactivity has rendered the structure inaccessible and its timekeeping function obsolete, diminishing its role as a community landmark.
The restoration initiative marks a pivotal shift in municipal priorities, emphasizing heritage conservation alongside urban development. By allocating resources to this project, the SMC aims to preserve a piece of Surat's rich history while enhancing the city's cultural landscape.
Future Prospects
The restoration plan includes not only mechanical repairs to the clock but also overall maintenance to ensure the tower's longevity. Once operational, the Clock Tower is expected to regain its status as a functional timepiece and a symbol of Surat's architectural heritage. This move aligns with broader trends in Indian cities to revitalize historical structures, blending tradition with modern urban life.
As the project moves forward, residents and heritage enthusiasts await the revival of this timeless monument, hoping it will once again chime the hours for generations to come.
