Gandhinagar/Surat: As part of Urban Development Year 2025, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel dedicated development projects worth ₹435.45 crore to the people of Surat, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to turning Gujarat’s cities into global growth hubs aligned with the Viksit Gujarat@2047 vision.
The Chief Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹73 crore and laid the foundation stone for new projects worth ₹362.45 crore during a grand public function held at Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium in Adajan-Pal, Surat.
He also conducted a computerized draw for 1,494 newly constructed PMAY homes built by the Surat Municipal Corporation for underprivileged citizens.
Cleanliness and Innovation: Surat Sets New National Benchmarks
Applauding Surat’s achievement as the top-ranked city in the Super Swachh League for cities with a population over 10 lakh, CM Patel congratulated frontline sanitation workers, calling them the “backbone of Swachh Surat”. He participated in a group photo session and personally commended their unwavering service.
He noted, “By attaining a leading position in both cleanliness and development, Surat has truly lived up to the saying ‘Surat – the Golden City’.”
Future-Ready Surat: Embracing Green Mobility and Smart Learning
Highlighting Surat’s urban transformation, CM Patel emphasized the deployment of 450 electric buses and a 108-km BRTS corridor, making it a national leader in green mobility.
He also visited an AI and robotics exhibition stall showcasing robotics labs established in 18 Suman Schools. Students demonstrated how AI-driven education is being integrated into the curriculum to foster creativity and innovation. A booklet titled ‘Surat: Future City of Viksit Bharat@2047’ was also released during the event.
A Legacy of Urban Transformation
Reflecting on Gujarat’s pioneering role in urban reforms, CM Patel noted that Urban Development Year was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2005 during his tenure as Gujarat’s CM. The 2025 edition focuses on green, clean, and inclusive development with the motto: “Urbanization is not a problem, but an opportunity.”
He urged citizens to adopt cleanliness as a way of life, conserve water and energy, and contribute to realizing PM Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat@2047.
Union Minister C.R. Patil: Surat is a Benchmark for India
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil praised Surat’s long-term planning and visionary development, stating that it is a model for the entire nation. He highlighted:
- Construction of 32 lakh water harvesting structures across India in 8 months.
- Notable efforts by Banas Dairy and 27,000 farmers in Banaskantha under water conservation.
- Allocation of ₹100 crore for water conservation in Gujarat (₹50 lakh per MLA).
Patil emphasized, “Maintaining Surat’s cleanliness is a collective moral responsibility, and we must all remain actively involved in upholding this achievement.”
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Dignitaries and Public Join in Celebration
The event was attended by:
- Union Minister C.R. Patil
- Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai
- MoS for Home Harsh Sanghavi
- MoS for Forest & Environment Mukesh Patel
- Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani
- Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal
- District Collector Dr. Sourabh Pardhi
- MLAs, MPs, local officials, corporators, and thousands of citizens.
Earlier in the day, CM Patel also held a review meeting with Surat Municipal Corporation corporators at the ICCC (Integrated Command and Control Center) in Vesu.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Chief Minister also paid tribute to the martyrs, lauding the PM’s steadfast dedication to national security and development.