Country | India |
Population | 6936534 |
Area | 461.60 km2 (178.22 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 21.19594, 72.83023 |
Highest elevation | 34.68 m (113.78 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Surat, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, is a dynamic city with a rich historical background and a robust economy. Nestled on the banks of the Tapti River, close to its confluence with the Arabian Sea, Surat is an essential commercial hub and one of Gujarat’s largest urban areas. With a population of over 7 million, it stands as the eighth largest city in India and the second largest in Gujarat, after Ahmedabad.
Historically, Surat was a prominent seaport and a bustling center for trade during the Mughal era, known for its thriving commerce with Europe and the Middle East. Today, it is renowned for its diamond and textile industries. Remarkably, Surat is responsible for cutting and polishing about 90% of the world’s diamonds, making it a global leader in the diamond trade. The city also has a well-established textile sector, contributing significantly to its economic vitality.
Geographically, Surat is strategically located approximately 284 kilometers south of Gandhinagar, 265 kilometers south of Ahmedabad, and 289 kilometers north of Mumbai. This positioning near the Arabian Sea has historically facilitated its role as a major trading port.
In terms of growth, Surat has earned accolades for its rapid development. A 2019 study by the Economic Times predicted it to be the world’s fastest-growing city up to 2035. The city demonstrated an impressive annual GDP growth rate of 11.5% from 2001 to 2008. Surat’s technological and infrastructural advancements are evident in its selection as the first smart IT city in India, through the Microsoft CityNext Initiative, in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro. The city boasts 2.97 million internet users, about 65% of its population, highlighting its significant digital penetration.
Surat’s commitment to urban development is reflected in its inclusion in the Smart Cities Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, Surat is home to the Surat Diamond Bourse, the world’s largest office building by floor area, which underscores its economic prominence.
The city has also received recognition for its cleanliness. In the Swachh Survekshan 2020, Surat was ranked as the second cleanest city in India. Although it faced some challenges and slipped to 12th place in 2021 and 25th in 2023, Surat shared the title of the cleanest city with Indore in the 2023 Swachh Survekshan Awards, reflecting its continuous efforts to improve urban cleanliness.
Overall, Surat combines historical significance with modern economic prowess, positioning itself as a key player in India’s urban and economic landscape. Its transformation from a historical seaport to a leading industrial and technological hub exemplifies its evolving role in the country’s growth story.
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