'Surat Diamond Bourse Will Be A Game-Changer For India's Economy': PM Modi In Gujarat

PM Modi said that the Surat Diamond Bourse will be a game-changer for the country’s economy.

Surat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse, the world's largest and modern centre for the international diamond and jewellery business, on Sunday. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Today Surat is among the top 10 developing cities of the world. Surat's street food, skill development work, everything is amazing... Surat was once known as 'Sun City'. But today the people here, with their hard work have made it 'diamond city'..."

PM Modi called Surat Diamond Bourse a ''symbol of steadfast commitment to excellence in the realm of precious gems.'' “The Surat Diamond Bourse is a game-changer for the country’s economy…It is a symbol of the new India and the country’s determination…The Surat Diamond Bourse exhibits the capabilities of Indian designers, Indian designers, Indian materials and Indian concepts. This building is the symbol of New India’s new strength and new resolve,” he said.

During his speech, PM Modi also said, "I have given this guarantee to the nation that India will be among the top three economies in the world in my third term. The government has fixed the target for the coming 25 years..."

पीएम मोदी ने सूरत डायमंड बोर्स का किया उद्घाटन #PMModi #Surat #Gujarat #DiamondBourse @priyasi90 pic.twitter.com/WXXKyC1BwB — Zee News (@ZeeNews) December 17, 2023

An official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office read: "It will be a global centre for trading both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewellery. Bourse will comprise a state-of-the-art 'Customs Clearance House' for import and export; a jewellery mall for retail jewellery business and a facility for international banking and safe vaults."

As 90 per cent of the world's diamond supply is cut and polished in Surat, it is also called the "Diamond City". Surat being the 'Diamond capital of the world' is also recognised for the presence of a huge number of Textiles Industries and Educational Institutions and Research, Law Colleges, SVNIT, and religious places like Swami Narayan temple, Tombs of the Bohras, and Udvada, etc.

The PM also earlier inaugurated the new terminal building of Surat Airport, built for Rs 353 crore. 

#BreakingNews: सूरत को पीएम मोदी की बड़ी सौगात, एयरपोर्ट के नए टर्मिनल का किया उद्घाटन#PMModi #Surat #Gujarat #DiamondBourse @priyasi90 pic.twitter.com/DizCQHKDX8 — Zee News (@ZeeNews) December 17, 2023

PM Modi Holds Roadshow In Surat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a vibrant roadshow in Surat, Gujarat, following the inauguration of the new Integrated Terminal Building at Surat Airport. The roadshow showcased enthusiastic participation, marking a significant event in the region's infrastructure development.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week approved the proposal to declare Surat Airport as an international airport. Surat Airport will not only become a gateway for international travellers but also facilitate seamless export-import operations for the thriving diamond and textile industries.

The overall capacity of Surat Airport will increase three times once its newly built terminal building is operational, said Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India.

"The capacity of Surat airport will increase three times once this new terminal becomes operational. Prime Minister Modi Ji has given this airport the status of an international airport, and the Union cabinet has approved it. Surat is one of the biggest business hubs globally, and this new terminal will connect people across the globe...Also, in the process, the Surat city will get a further facelift," AAI chairman Sanjeev Kumar said while speaking to ANI, ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

Surat is currently connected to 14 domestic cities - Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Goa Mopa, Belgaum, Pune, Jaipur, Udaipur, Indore, Diu and Kishangarh and internationally via Sharjah to the rest of the world. It is handling more than 252 passenger flight movements per week.

Surat, a rapidly growing city in India, has demonstrated remarkable economic prowess and industrial development over the decades. With a surge in passenger traffic and cargo operations, the airport's international designation, according to the government, will provide a crucial impetus for regional development.

Surat is synonymous with its thriving and young booming textile industry. Also, as 90 per cent of the world's diamond supply is cut and polished here, it is called the "Diamond City".

Surat being the 'Diamond capital of the world' is also recognized for the presence of a huge number of Textiles Industries and Educational Institutions and Research, Law Colleges, SVNIT, Surat and religious places like Swami Narayan temple, Tombs of the Bohras, and Udvada, etc.

As per officials, the Surat airport has a runway of 2906 X 45 metre capable to operate Code 'C' type of aircrafts and terminal building of an area of 8474 square metre.

The new terminal building is equipped to handle 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours and has provision for further increasing the peak hour capacity to 3,000 passengers with annual handling capacity increasing to 55 lakh passengers.

The terminal building, as it is the gateway to Surat city, has been designed with its local culture and heritage ensuring that the essence should reflect both in interior and exterior, creating a sense of place for the visitors. Rogan, embroidery works such as Zari and Brocade, beautiful relief works of wooden carvings, and mosaic work depicting the famous Kite festival of Gujarat will be showcased in the airport.

The facade of the upgraded terminal building aims to enrich the passenger experience with the rich and traditional woodwork of the old houses of the 'Rander' region of Surat City. The new airport terminal is equipped with various sustainability features like an insulated Roofing System, Canopies for energy saving, Low Heat Gain Double Glazing Unit, Rain Water Harvesting, a water treatment plant, a Sewage treatment plant and use of recycled water for landscaping and solar power plant, among others.