00:00 Surat, a bustling city in India, is undergoing a significant transformation with plans for
00:09 a grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Surat Diamond Bourse and an international
00:14 airport.
00:15 The SDB, also known as the Surat Diamond Bourse, is designed by Morphogenesis and it boasts
00:21 around 4,200 diamond trading offices.
00:24 It aims to shift the diamond trading hub from Mumbai to Surat.
00:28 Despite this ambitious project, concerns and demands are raised by diamond businessmen.
00:32 They seek increased international flights from Surat airport and the relaxation of prohibition
00:36 laws.
00:37 The SDB inauguration is expected to draw around 21,000 people, including foreign diamond businessmen.
00:43 Spanning across 66 lakh square feet at Dream City, the SDB comprises of nine interconnected
00:48 towers housing various offices and infrastructure related to diamonds, including retail jewellery
00:53 outlets and extensive CCTV coverage.
00:56 Several businesses have already transitioned to Surat from Mumbai's Diamond Bharat Bourse.
01:00 Shrusti Diamonds, for instance, expects a substantial growth in turnover over establishing
01:04 its presence in Surat.
01:06 Virendra Zawallabhai Lakhmi of Giran Jams, a significant player in the industry, has
01:09 also shifted his entire business from Mumbai to Surat.
01:13 He anticipates a considerable rise in annual turnover and emphasises the need for better
01:17 infrastructure in Surat, including international connectivity and relaxation of prohibition
01:21 laws.
01:22 The reasons behind the shift to Surat are varied.
01:24 Space constraints and lengthy commutes in Mumbai prompted businesses to seek a more
01:28 conductive environment in Gujarat.
01:30 The appeal of shorter commute times and spacious offices areas in Surat's SDB plays a pivotal
01:34 role in this migration.
01:36 Furthermore, the Khajo, the Urban Development Authority, spearheads projects like Surat
01:40 International Airport and Dream City.
01:42 Dream City spreads over 681 hectares, including various amnesties like hospital, school and
01:47 recreational areas, supplementing the city's growth.
01:50 Additionally, efforts are underway to convert the landfill site near the SDB into gardens,
01:54 addressing complaints into foul smells.
01:57 The Surat Municipal Corporation aims to transform the 37-hectare landfill to green spaces, simultaneously
02:02 increasing the waste treatment capacity.
02:05 After inaugurating these projects, Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Varanasi too in his own
02:10 constituency for integration of further development projects, including a one-more Vande Bharat
02:15 train.
02:15 [Music]
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