Surat: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday inaugurated 37 development projects worth Rs 211.65 crore and laid foundation stones for 13 more projects costing Rs 198.72 crore.The projects, undertaken by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), Surat Urban Development Authority (Suda) and the district administration, span healthcare, education, housing and civic infrastructure.Patel described Surat as a role model for urban development and said the city would play a significant role in Gujarat’s ambition to become a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047.“Our collective efforts are aimed at making Surat a city that is better equipped with civic amenities, cleaner, greener and future-ready,” Patel said, adding that the projects would improve the quality of life of city residents.Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s urbanisation vision, Patel said the Centre had transformed urbanisation from a challenge into an opportunity, positioning cities as engines of economic growth.Highlighting state support, Patel said Surat had received more than Rs 4,363 crore under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana over the past four years. The state govt had also allocated Rs 30,000 crore for urban development in its budget following a 40% increase in funding, he added.In a separate programme, the CM also laid the foundation stone for Iskcon’s Varachha Temple, which will come up at a cost of Rs 125 crore.
