‘We are moving up the value chain’
What are your government’s plans to make Gujarat’s business environment globally competitive?
Our vision for Gujarat’s future is anchored in deep economic diversification and resilience and our economic master plan for Gujarat is a definitive blueprint for ‘Viksit Gujarat @ 2047’ and achieving a $3.5 trillion state economy. To protect our traditional industries from global volatility, we are moving up the value chain. To ensure our business environment remains globally competitive, we have implemented ‘Gujarat Jan Vishwas Adhiniyam 2025’ by decriminalising over 500 legal provisions to guarantee an unparalleled ease of doing business.
How is your government actively pushing the business fraternity of Gujarat to diversify into renewable energy sources?
The government of Gujarat has consistently been a pioneer in renewable energy adoption. Through our progressive state renewable energy policies, we are heavily incentivising captive solar and wind power generation for industrial clusters. For textile and diamond MSMEs, we are simplifying the regulatory framework to accelerate rooftop solar adoption, which not only eases pressure on our conventional power grids but also significantly reduces operational expenditures for local businesses, making their export products more price-competitive in the global market. Furthermore, by transitioning to green energy, industries are actively reducing their carbon footprint, which is increasingly becoming a mandate for international trade compliance.
How is the Gujarat government aiding Surat to cope with key challenges like climate vulnerabilities, infrastructure deficits, etc?
Our approach to urban management in Surat is proactive, not reactive. Regarding climate vulnerabilities, particularly the flooding of the Tapi River, the government is advancing the comprehensive Tapi Riverfront Development & Rejuvenation Project. This ambitious, multi-thousand crore initiative involves the construction of robust engineered embankments spanning over 65 km and the proposed Rundh-Bhatha Barrage, which will effectively manage tidal backflows, retain clean water and secure the city against future flood risks. To address infrastructure demands driven by rapid inward migration, we are executing mega-projects that will redefine urban and industrial mobility. The Surat Metro is acting as a lifeline for millions of daily commuters. On a larger scale, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail puts Surat at the centre of India’s first Bullet Train Corridor, while the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway provide a seamless logistics backbone for the entire region. As for economic diversification, our investments in nearby hubs like aerospace and defence in Valsad, and multi-modal logistics parks at Dahej ensure that the peripheral areas share the economic load and offer diverse employment opportunities.
How does the Gujarat government intend to attract asset-light industries in Gujarat’s leading cities, including Surat?
While Surat has historically been a manufacturing powerhouse, its next phase of exponential growth will be driven by the knowledge economy. The Gujarat IT/ ITeS Policy provides highly competitive capital expenditure and operational expenditure support to attract asset-light tech firms. In Surat, we are already witnessing the organic growth of dedicated IT Parks and modern commercial hubs in areas like Mota Varachha and Vesu. Crucially, we view IT and AI not as separate sectors, but as force multipliers for our existing industries. We are actively encouraging the integration of AI-driven supply chain management, algorithmic trading, and advanced cybersecurity within the diamond and textile sectors. To support this ecosystem, regional academic institutions are scaling up integrated IT, AI and management programmes, ensuring that Surat has a steady, localised pipeline of high-tech talent ready to serve global tech enterprises.
Is Surat likely to become a major air traffic hub in western India?
The upgraded facility at Surat airport now has the capacity to handle 3.5 million passengers annually. On the logistics front, Surat Airport is becoming a critical gateway. The cargo terminal handles over 1,000 tonnes monthly, complete with cold-chain facilities. This is exceptionally strategic for the newly inaugurated Surat Diamond Bourse located just a few kilometres away, as it allows high-value diamond exports to reach global markets directly. Furthermore, the enhanced cargo capabilities cater to our textile exporters and the temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments from the broader South Gujarat region. With expanding international routes to the Middle East and beyond, Surat is rapidly cementing its position as the premier air traffic and logistics anchor in Western India.