Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 24 Central and Gujarat government projects worth ₹18,778 crore in Surat, saying the initiatives would strengthen industrial growth, infrastructure and sustainable development across South Gujarat.
Addressing a gathering at the Deendayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium on World Environment Day, Modi described Surat as more than a city, calling it a “spirit”, and praised its transformation from a city once associated with the plague epidemic to a national model of cleanliness and green energy.
The Prime Minister inaugurated and launched projects worth ₹16,968 crore under the Centre and ₹1,810 crore under the Gujarat government across sectors including roads, energy, infrastructure and industry. He said the projects would enhance industrial production capacity while contributing to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Highlighting India's clean energy transition, Modi said the country was advancing towards “green growth” by balancing economic development with ecological responsibility. He noted that Gujarat had pioneered climate action by establishing India's first Climate Change Department and the country's first solar park at Charanka in Patan.
“Today, India is among the world's top five solar energy-producing countries, and Gujarat's contribution to this achievement is highly significant,” he said, adding that the state accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the country's renewable energy capacity.
The Prime Minister said the Centre's “Waste to Wealth” initiative had been transforming waste into valuable resources over the past 12 years, helping cities become cleaner and more sustainable.
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Referring to global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wars and energy disruptions, Modi said India had ensured uninterrupted energy supply chains despite international uncertainties.
He also praised Surat's circular water economy model, under which treated wastewater is supplied to industries, describing it as an example of environmental protection generating economic value. Modi said the Tapi Barrage Project would provide a long-term solution to the city's water requirements and support future growth.
On industrial development, the Prime Minister said Hazira was emerging as a major maritime and defence manufacturing hub. He highlighted infrastructure projects such as the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, the Dedicated Freight Corridor and railway network expansion for improving connectivity and boosting economic opportunities.
Modi said improved highway connectivity in districts such as Narmada, Tapi, Bharuch and Chhota Udepur would expand opportunities for education, healthcare and employment in tribal and rural areas.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the state remained committed to achieving the vision of “Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat @2047”. He credited Modi's leadership for Gujarat's progress in renewable energy and climate initiatives.
Patel said Gujarat currently leads the country under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and has planted nearly 16.96 crore trees under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. He added that more than 8 lakh farmers had been connected to Mission LiFE and natural farming programmes.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the projects would accelerate the development of South Gujarat and noted that the event had been organised under a green protocol, including the use of earthen pots instead of plastic bottles.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil said Surat was poised to make a significant contribution to the vision of a developed India and highlighted the upcoming Tapi Barrage Project and the Tapi River rejuvenation initiative.
The Prime Minister and other dignitaries also planted saplings at the venue, reinforcing the message of environmental conservation on World Environment Day.
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