Surat Municipal Corporation Presents Historic Draft Budget with Major Infrastructure Push
Surat Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan on Wednesday unveiled a groundbreaking draft budget of Rs 10,593 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a substantial increase of Rs 593 crore from previous allocations. This represents the highest budgetary hike in Surat's municipal history, signaling ambitious development plans for one of India's fastest-growing urban centers.
Infrastructure Development Takes Center Stage
The budget proposal maintains current property tax rates and user charges, providing relief to residents while focusing on transformative infrastructure projects. A significant highlight includes the construction of eight new overbridges across the city, reinforcing Surat's reputation as the 'Bridge City.' These flyover bridges, valued at approximately Rs 540 crores, aim to alleviate persistent traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
Additionally, the municipal corporation has allocated Rs 332 crore for the development and maintenance of existing and new road networks. The capital budget for development works in 2026-27 stands at Rs 5,073 crore, with revenue income projected at Rs 5,777 crore for the same period. Revenue sources include 29% from non-tax revenue and 23% from user charges, while 48% of total expenses will be directed toward establishment costs and 19% toward renovation, repairs, and power charges.
Green Initiatives and Environmental Sustainability
In a landmark move toward environmental conservation, the Surat Municipal Corporation has initiated preparations to implement an "Urban Green Policy" aimed at transforming the city into a greener urban space. This comprehensive policy includes establishing green standards at the ward level and appointing dedicated "Green Officers" to monitor and maintain environmental quality.
The innovative "Tree Health Card" program will involve periodic surveys of every tree in the city to ensure proper maintenance and health assessment. These initiatives position Surat as a potential leader in urban sustainability, contributing significantly to India's 'Net Zero' target by 2047 and potentially making it the second city in the country to adopt such an ambitious green policy.
The Environment Cell receives a substantial allocation of Rs 180.38 crore for 2026-27, representing a notable increase from the previous year's revised budget of Rs 135.49 crore. This funding will support projects promoting a "Circular Economy," including waste-to-steam and waste-to-energy initiatives designed to generate revenue from waste while controlling methane gas emissions and reducing landfill dependency.
Women-Centric Amenities and Public Health Focus
Prioritizing women's safety and hygiene, the municipal corporation has emphasized establishing 'Pink Toilets' in busy areas and public spaces. These facilities will feature modern amenities such as sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators, providing safe access for women and women hawkers while advancing the 'Swachh Surat' initiative.
The 'Healthy Surat' project receives special attention with a strong emphasis on digital technology and infrastructure. Plans include establishing comprehensive audio-visual counseling centers for maternal and child health at all urban community health centers and launching the 'Matri Aadhya' guide within the e-health application. Additional measures involve obtaining NQAS certification for new health centers, developing five "Model Health Centers," and operationalizing mobile health clinics under the "Health Care at Door Step" initiative for vulnerable slum areas.
Industrial Safety and Educational Initiatives
Recognizing Surat's economic backbone in diamond and textile industries, the municipal corporation has allocated Rs 22 crore for purchasing advanced fire and rescue equipment to enhance safety in industrial areas. The city's achievement of securing first rank in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 among cities with populations over 10 lakh underscores its commitment to environmental excellence.
In an innovative educational approach, the SMC plans to introduce "Signal Schools" in coordination with Surat district legal service authorities to educate children found begging at traffic signal junctions and other public spaces. This initiative reflects a holistic approach to urban development that addresses social welfare alongside infrastructure growth.
Future Planning and Sustainable Development
The municipal administration is exploring the implementation of the famous 'Letchworth – Garden City Concept' through feasibility studies aimed at achieving harmony between residential areas and nature. This modern urban planning approach seeks to improve living standards for Surat's citizens while promoting sustainable development.
Looking ahead, the corporation plans to launch several ambitious projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), including new policies for textile and industrial waste disposal and an e-waste management framework. Specific arrangements for collecting and processing garden waste to convert it into valuable resources further demonstrate the city's commitment to comprehensive waste management and resource conservation.
Commissioner M Nagarajan highlighted the operational ground-mounted solar park with a 10 MW capacity, which began generating power in December. This facility is expected to produce over 1.73 crore units of electricity annually, reducing SMC's power bills by approximately Rs 13 crore per year and contributing to the city's renewable energy goals.
