- Surat Diamond Bourse covers a constructed area of 6.7 million square feet and was completed in July at a cost of ₹ 3,200 crore
- Modi dedicates new terminal building at Surat Airport
- If Surat decides, then our share in gems-jewelry export can touch double-digit
- Surat is continuously connecting with international trade centers. Very few cities in the world have such international connectivity: PM
- Now Modi has given the guarantee that, in the third innings, India will be among the top 3 economies of the world: PM
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
SURAT, DEC 17
Stating that if Surat moves forward, Gujarat will move forward. If Gujarat moves forward then the country will move forward, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse on Sunday in Surat, Gujarat.
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. https://t.co/bsldYuYRjk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2023
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister had also inaugurated the new terminal building at Surat Airport.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that a new diamond has been added to the magnificence of Surat city. “It is not an ordinary diamond, but the best in the world”, Modi said underlining that the radiance of the Surat Diamond Bourse is overshadowing the largest of edifices in the world. He credited the humbleness of Vallabhbhai Lakhani and Laljibhai Patel and the spirit of taking everyone along behind the success of such a huge mission as he congratulated the entire team of Surat Diamond Bourse on the occasion.
“Surat Diamond Bourse will now come to the fore along with India’s pride during discussions about diamond bourses in the world”, he emphasized. The Prime Minister said, “Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the abilities of Indian designs, designers, materials and concepts. This building is a symbol of New India’s capabilities and resolutions.”
Recalling his walkthrough of the Surat Diamond Bourse earlier today, the Prime Minister highlighted the architecture and mentioned the Green Building which can become an example for environment advocates around the world, the overall architecture of the building which can be used as a tool for learning by architecture and structural engineering students, and the Panchtatva Garden which can be used as an example for a lesson in landscaping.
New airport terminal, state’s 3rd international airport
Talking about the two other gifts for Surat, the Prime Minister mentioned the inauguration of a new airport terminal at Surat and the elevation of the status of Surat Airport as an International airport. The gathering gave a standing ovation for the fulfillment of this long pending demand. He informed about the commencement of the Surat Dubai flight and the soon-to-start flight to Hong Kong.
“With Surat, Gujarat now boasts three international airports”, he added.
Modi said, noting that the cotton produced in the region is unmatched. Highlighting Surat’s journey of highs and lows, the Prime Minister stated that Surat’s magnificence attracted the British when they first came to India. He recalled the time when Surat was the manufacturing hub of the largest ships in the world and the port of Surat would hoist flags of ships from 84 countries. “Now, that number will increase to 125”, he added. Throwing light on the hardships faced by the city, the Prime Minister mentioned serious health ailments and floods and recalled how the spirit of the city was questioned. The Prime Minister expressed confidence noting today’s occasion and mentioned that Surat has become one of the top 10 growing cities in the world. He highlighted Surat’s excellent street food, cleanliness and skill development. He underlined that Surat which was known as the Sun City earlier, transformed itself into Diamond City, Silk City and Bridge City through the hard work and dedication of its people.
The Prime Minister said, “People of Surat know Modi’s guarantee for a very long time.” He said that the diamond bourse is an example of Modi’s guarantee for the people of Surat. Recalling his interaction with the people associated with the diamond trade and the 2014 World Diamond Conference in Delhi, where special notified zones for the diamond industry were announced, the Prime Minister said that the journey has led to a big diamond center in the form of Surat Diamond Bourse, making possible many aspects of diamond trade under one roof. “For artisan, workman and businessman, for all, Surat Diamond Bourse has become a one-stop shop”, he added. The Bourse will have facilities like international banking, safe vaults and jewelry mall leading to 1.5 lakh new jobs, he informed.
Further dwelling on the capabilities of Surat, the Prime Minister mentioned India’s stride from 10th to 5th place in the world economy. “Now Modi has given the guarantee that, in the third innings, India will be among the top 3 economies of the world”, he said. The government has a roadmap for the next 25 years and is working on the goals of a 5 trillion dollar economy and a 10 trillion dollar economy, he added.
The new complex is located inside the Diamond Research and Mercantile City, a business district modeled after the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or Gift City, another one of PM Modi’s flagship projects. It has nine 15-story towers and about 4,700 offices. About 130 offices are already in use, according to Nagjibhai Sakariya, president of the Surat Diamond Bourse.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Purshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State Darshana Jardosh, Member of Parliament C R Patil, Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse Vallabhbhai Lakhani and Laljibhai Patel from Dharmanandan Diamond Ltd were present on the occasion.
