Surat, a bustling city in Gujarat, is making significant strides in both water management and transportation infrastructure, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development and urban mobility.
On March 28, 2025, the Times of India reported that 19 out of the 20 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the city received a five-star rating under the central government's clean water credit initiative. This achievement has secured the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) a grant of Rs 104.75 crore, the highest amount awarded in the state under the Jal Hi Amrit scheme. One of SMC's STPs received a four-star rating, which was newly launched at the time of the inspection conducted by the evaluation team.
Currently, SMC treats an impressive average of approximately 1,225 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater through its network of 20 STPs. Notably, SMC has been ranked first in India for its innovative approach to sewage utilization, efficiently repurposing treated wastewater for industrial use through its state-of-the-art tertiary treatment plant.
In recognition of its advancements, the central public health and environmental engineering organization (CPHEEO) issued an official advisory recommending the retrofitting of existing STPs that utilize the activated sludge process (ASP). The advisory promotes the integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) process as a means to enhance efficiency. The Anjana Sewage Treatment Plant of SMC served as a model for this upgrade, demonstrating improved performance and operational efficiency.
Authorities and stakeholders in the wastewater management sector are encouraged to consider this advisory to enhance the operational efficiency of aging STPs, ensuring better treatment outcomes and environmental sustainability. "SMC has consistently adhered to international standards in sewage treatment, establishing itself as the leading city in Asia for supplying tertiary-treated water to industries and promoting large-scale water reuse. This incentive will be strategically utilized to further modernize our STPs and enhance the city's water treatment infrastructure," said Shalini Agarwal, municipal commissioner.
In a parallel development, the Surat Integrated Transportation Development Corporation (SITCO) is pushing forward with plans to modernize the city's transport infrastructure. On March 26, 2025, SocialNews.XYZ reported that SITCO has invited proposals via e-tendering for granting sub-lease-hold rights for the mixed-use development, operation, and maintenance of a 208,975 sqm vertical space above the GSRTC bus terminal at the Surat Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH).
The project comes with a reserve price of Rs 226 crore and will be leased for an impressive 90 years, allowing developers the opportunity to sub-lease the constructed built-up space for commercial use. The proposed development site promises seamless connectivity with Surat’s public transport network, including direct access from an elevated road and proximity to key transportation services such as the metro, bus rapid transit system (BRTS), city bus services, and rail networks.
The timeline for the bidding process has been established, with the last date for downloading the e-bid document set for April 14, 2025, at 14:00 hrs, and the final submission deadline at 15:00 hrs on the same day. The e-bids will be opened on April 15, 2025, at 15:30 hrs. Interested developers can obtain details at www.tenderwizard.in/RLDA or contact 8450958834, 7877053940, or 9599653865 for further inquiries.
Established in 2017, SITCO is a Joint Venture Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created to modernize Surat Railway Station and the GSRTC bus terminal. The project aims to transform the area into a transit-oriented commercial hub, integrating multiple transportation systems, including the Surat Metro, BRTS, city bus services, and regional bus networks.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a Multi-Modal Transportation Hub, enhancing connectivity and urban mobility in the rapidly growing city of Surat. One of the flagship initiatives is the Surat Metro Rail Project, which has achieved 55 percent completion as of the latest updates. The state government has allocated Rs 2,730 crore to expedite the project's progress, reflecting its commitment to providing citizens with fast, reliable, and modern rail-based public transport services.
As Surat continues to evolve, these developments in wastewater management and transportation infrastructure demonstrate the city's proactive approach to addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainable growth. The collaboration between various stakeholders, including government bodies and private developers, is crucial for realizing the vision of a modern and efficient urban environment.
