Surat: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday dedicated and laid the foundation for development projects worth nearly ₹600 crore in Surat, marking another major push toward strengthening the city’s urban infrastructure and civic amenities.
The projects were unveiled at an event held at the convention hall of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, where the Chief Minister inaugurated completed works and initiated several new infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.
Infrastructure Boost Across Civic and Urban Development Agencies
During the event, CM Patel inaugurated projects worth ₹249 crore implemented by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA). He also laid foundation stones for additional SMC and SUDA projects valued at ₹109.51 crore.
Further expanding the city’s infrastructure roadmap, foundation stones were laid for projects worth around ₹242 crore to be executed by the Urban Ring Development Corporation Ltd. (URDCL), including key components of Surat’s Outer Ring Road.
Outer Ring Road to Ease Traffic and Improve Mobility
Laying the foundation stone for the Outer Ring Road, the Chief Minister said the project would play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion and enhancing commuting convenience for residents. He noted that the smooth execution of large-scale projects reflects improved governance, planning, and administrative efficiency.
Under Phase-II of the project, works include the Sachin–Palsana to Sachin–Kadodara Junction Outer Ring Road costing ₹184.20 crore and a flyover on the Surat–Kadodara Road estimated at ₹57.65 crore.
Cleanliness, Environment, and Sustainable Growth
Highlighting Surat’s national recognition for cleanliness, CM Patel urged citizens to adopt cleanliness as a daily habit rather than treating it as a periodic campaign. He also expressed concern over climate change and erratic rainfall patterns, calling on citizens to contribute to environmental protection through tree plantation and rainwater harvesting.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Gujarat’s once-underutilized coastline has now become a driver of economic growth, citing the transformation of Kutch into a tourism hub and the establishment of Asia’s largest green energy park at Khavda as milestones in sustainable development.
Wide Range of Civic Projects Launched
Projects inaugurated across various SMC zones include water and sewage treatment plants, drainage networks, health centres, fire stations, vending markets, and box culverts for efficient rainwater disposal. SUDA also initiated multiple town planning schemes involving road widening, resurfacing, four-lane roads, and traffic management improvements.
Digital Governance Gets a Push
In line with the Digital India Mission, the Chief Minister also launched the Surat Municipal Corporation’s WhatsApp chatbot-based online payment system, aimed at improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in civic services.
Government’s Commitment to Urban Development
Surat district in-charge and Finance Minister Kanu Desai said the state government has earmarked ₹30,000 crore for urban development in the 2025–26 budget, underscoring its focus on expanding urban infrastructure and supporting emerging municipalities. He noted that Surat has evolved into a key growth corridor between Bharuch and Umargam and ranks among the world’s fastest-growing cities.
Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal said the ₹600 crore projects would significantly strengthen infrastructure in newly developing areas. She added that Urban Development Year–2025 would focus on digital governance, water management, sanitation, public health, and quality of life. A regional development blueprint for South Gujarat through six development plans is also in the pipeline.
Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vadhani, MP Mukesh Dalal, Mayor Dakshesh Mawani, MLAs, senior officials, elected representatives, and citizens attended the event.
