India Accelerator has opened a 10,000 sq ft co-working centre in Surat, Gujarat, providing 280 desks to support startup ventures. This expansion follows the company's recent acquisition of co-working operator MySOHO, which has 18 centres across eight cities, in a cash-equity deal. IA plans to grow its footprint to over 45 hubs in 30 cities, covering 625,000 sq ft and offering 12,500 seats. The strategy integrates workspace facilities with startup support services such as mentorship, investor access, and guidance programs, aiming to strengthen India's growing flexible office ecosystem.Read more

Sonani Jewels has launched the world's largest lab-grown diamond jewellery showroom in Surat, covering 18,000 sq ft across two floors. The store offers over 4,000 designs in daily-wear and bridal categories, crafted in 18, 14, and 9 carat gold at its in-house factory. The inauguration, led by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and attended by state and city leaders, was followed by a three-day celebration, including a fashion show of 300 designs. Founder Agastya Sonani emphasised the company's 25-year journey in diamonds and the growing demand for lab-grown jewellery worldwide.Read more

The Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has reviewed five innovative town-planning schemes designed for the upcoming bullet train station area. Two schemes have already been cleared at the draft stage by the state, and one has been filed as a preliminary plan. The remaining proposals highlight features such as green corridors, non-motorised transport, lakefront development, central plazas, and MICE facilities, reflecting a push towards modern, sustainable and pedestrian-friendly urban design.Read more

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has issued a strict order targeting 151 apartments across three societies-Casa Riviera, KPM Terra, and Celestial Dreams-for lacking valid Building Use Certificates (BUCs). These high-rises reportedly violate safety norms and height regulations set by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with action intensified after a recent aircraft crash in Ahmedabad. Residents have been given just three days to vacate, after which water and drainage services will be cut off. BUCs confirm a building's compliance with safety codes and approved plans, and living without one can pose legal and safety risks. The move underscores SMC's push for stricter urban safety enforcement near airport zones.Read more

Surat has registered the highest year-on-year growth in warehousing transactions across India during calendar year 2024. According to Knight Frank India's latest report, the city added 1.6 million sq ft of warehousing space, representing a 98% increase over the previous year. Key transactions by companies such as Reliance Retail, Whirlpool, Waaree Energies, Goldi Solar, and Kohler India were instrumental in this surge. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad maintained its position as Gujarat's primary warehousing hub, recording 5.8 million sq ft of transactions, with contributions from major manufacturing and FMCG players. Despite declines in Vadodara and Vapi, the state's warehousing market continues to demonstrate robust growth overall.Read more

Surat's real estate sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) earning INR 829 crore from paid Floor Space Index (FSI) in nine months, projected to surpass INR 1,100 crore by year-end. Revenues have nearly doubled in three years, reflecting strong property demand. However, challenges persist, including INR 225 crore in unpaid FSI dues, rising jantri rates, and a proposed 18% GST on paid FSI, which could increase property costs by 10%. Developers and CREDAI warn these factors may deter middle-class buyers, who form 70% of the market, emphasizing the need to balance growth and affordability.Read more

Vidhi Sangoi

The Surat Metro, a transformative mass rapid transit system, is poised to revolutionize urban mobility in Surat, one of India's fastest-growing cities. Approved in 2019 with a budget of INR 12,020.32 crore, the project addresses traffic congestion and pollution in the booming textile and diamond hub. Phase I spans 40.35 km, comprising two corridors: the Red Line (21.61 km) and the Green Line (18.74 km), featuring 38 strategically placed stations. Co-funded by the Indian and Gujarat governments, with support from international lenders, the metro integrates modern amenities, accessibility features, and seamless connectivity. Set to serve 1.5 million daily commuters, it aims to enhance Surat's economic growth, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable, inclusive urban development.Read more

Nisus Finance has invested over INR 155 crore in Dharmadev Group's affordable housing project, Swaminarayan Green City, in Surat, Gujarat. The 12-acre development includes 21 towers, offering 1.3 million square feet of saleable area and over 1,085 affordable apartments. This investment, part of Nisus Finance's RESO-1 fund, will accelerate construction and ensure timely delivery, replacing existing lender Omkara ARC. With seven towers already applying for occupancy certificates and five more nearing completion, hundreds of families could move into their new homes within 12 to 24 months. This project addresses Surat's growing demand for affordable housing, bolstering Dharmadev Group's 50-year legacy.Read more

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, in partnership with Hindva Hospitality LLP, has launched 'The World' the largest all-suite five-star hotel in Gujarat, marking its first hotel in Surat. Strategically located near key landmarks like the Surat Diamond Bourse and the upcoming Bullet Train Station, The World features 288 suites accommodating up to six guests each. The hotel boasts modern amenities, including banqueting rooms, spacious lawns, meeting facilities, a signature spa, a co-working space, and a gaming zone. This project aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of Surat as a diamond trading hub and aims to set new standards for luxury hospitality in the city.Read more

Arvind SmartSpaces Limited (ASL) ventures into Surat with a sprawling golf-themed development project spanning 300 acres, valued at INR 1,100 crore. Positioned along NH 48, it marks ASL's 19th project in Gujarat, following Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The joint development model ensures low capital intensity and higher returns (55% revenue share). Surat's strategic location as a business hub, coupled with its emerging demand for plotted development and weekend homes, enhances the project's appeal. Noteworthy features include a golf course, expansive clubhouse, orchards with thousands of trees, and a private lake. For future growth, ASL's expansion strategy targets Bengaluru, Pune, and MMR regions.Read more

The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) in Surat is facing a surge in unauthorized construction activities within its industrial estates, prompting the GIDC to seek police intervention. Despite opposition from some industrial unit owners and allegations of external influence, GIDC has requested police assistance to combat these illegal structures. This unauthorized construction issue threatens regulatory compliance, safety, and environmental concerns within Surat's industrial zones. GIDC's efforts to restore order and address the problem signify a crucial step in upholding established norms and ensuring the integrity of the region's industrial landscape.Read more

Gujarat's inaugural privately-owned public Hospitality and Convention Centre, named "The World," is set to open its doors, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Developed by Hindva Group, the centre signifies Surat's evolution into a thriving hub for hospitality, business, and culture. This innovative project offers high-end facilities, including furnished apartment rooms, meeting spaces, and a co-work area. The centre aims to address the shortage of hospitality space and foster national and global connections. Hindva Group's visionary approach, FinTech initiatives, and expansion into IT and hospitality exemplify their commitment to innovation and excellence.Read more

Surat, the Indian city renowned for diamond cutting and polishing, now hosts the world's largest office building, the Surat Diamond Bourse. Overthrowing the Pentagon in size, this architectural marvel spans 7.1 million square feet. Constructed as a one-stop destination for over 65,000 diamond professionals, it offers a unique egalitarian design. With a sustainable blueprint that consumes 50% less energy than standard, it is poised to become the heart of Surat's 'Dream City,' a proposed smart city. This new landmark not only solidifies Surat's dominance in the diamond industry but also shines as an icon of sustainable architecture.Read more

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has issued a strict order targeting 151 apartments across three societies�Casa Riviera, KPM Terra, and Celestial Dreams�for lacking valid Building Use Certificates (BUCs). These high-rises reportedly violate safety norms and height regulations set by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with action intensified after a recent aircraft crash in Ahmedabad. Residents have been given just three days to vacate, after which water and drainage services will be cut off. BUCs confirm a building�s compliance with safety codes and approved plans, and living without one can pose legal and safety risks. The move underscores SMC�s push for stricter urban safety enforcement near airport zones.Read more