A master plan has been approved under NITI Aayog to transform Surat– a major hub for the textile and apparel industry –into a major growth hub, with the region projected to expand twentyfold by 2047 and contribute over 35% to the state’s GSDP.
Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel made the announcement while inaugurating the third Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat.
Highlighting the strengths of the Surat Economic Region across sectors such as textiles and apparel, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, agriculture, real estate, and tourism, he noted that the VGRC for South Gujarat will accelerate industrial development in districts including Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, Dang, and Bharuch.
Six regional economic master plans covering around 20 priority sectors are being prepared to ensure each district progresses with its unique strengths toward the goal of a developed India by 2047.
The establishment of eight new “Smart GIDC” industrial estates across South Gujarat have been planned—two in Surat, three in Bharuch, one each in Valsad, Tapi, and Navsari—covering a total area of 5,380 acres.
The state handles 40% of India’s total cargo, contributes 18% to industrial output, and 15% to renewable energy. The state’s own tax revenue has grown Rs. 9,000 crore (approximately US $1.1 billion) to Rs. 1.55 lakh crore (around US $18.6 billion).
The chief minister added that with initiatives like the Vibrant Gujarat Investors Summit, the state has become one of the largest employment generators in the country. He noted a fourfold increase in MSMEs and highlighted that Gujarat leads in foreign direct investment (FDI).
He also emphasised ease of doing business and transparent governance, noting that Rs 5,619 crore (approximately US $674 million) in incentives were disbursed in 2024–25, including Rs 1,300 crore (around US $156 million) to 11,000 traders from Surat.
