Surat: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday announced eight new Smart GIDC estates across five South Gujarat districts as the marquee takeaway from the inaugural day of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat.The eight Smart GIDCs will cover nearly 5,380 acres across Bharuch, Navsari, Surat, Tapi, and Valsad, and will be equipped with integrated, tech-enabled infrastructure to improve industrial efficiency, ease of doing business, and investment readiness.The initiative is part of the state govt’s larger plan to convert 25 existing GIDC estates into ‘Smart GIDCs’ with an investment of Rs 1,250 crore, aimed at upgrading core infrastructure. The plan focuses on strengthening water, electricity, gas and digital networks through modern, tech-enabled systems to enhance efficiency and the ease of doing business.Calling South Gujarat a major industrial powerhouse, Patel said the Smart GIDCs would strengthen the region’s industrial ecosystem and create new employment opportunities. “These smart estates will take South Gujarat’s industrial infrastructure to new heights,” he said.The conference is focussed on showcasing the investment potential of six South Gujarat districts — Surat, Bharuch, Dang, Navsari, Tapi and Valsad.Delegates were presented with the Surat Economic Development Plan 2047, which maps the region’s strengths — from Surat’s globally dominant diamond and textile sectors to the chemical and pharma clusters of Ankleshwar and Vapi.Highlighting Gujarat’s economic transformation over the past two decades, Patel said the state has moved beyond basic infrastructure constraints such as electricity, water and roads to emerge as a preferred investment destination.“From addressing fundamental infrastructure gaps, Gujarat has built a model of balanced growth,” Patel said.He said Gujarat’s tax revenue has grown from Rs 9,000 crore in 2001 to Rs 1.55 lakh crore currently, while installed power generation capacity has reached 53,000 MW. The state also accounts for 15% of India’s renewable energy capacity.Patel added that Gujarat is rapidly expanding into future sectors such as semiconductors, with operational plants in Sanand and Dholera, while Surat is emerging as a multimodal logistics hub backed by freight corridors, ports, airports, metro rail and the upcoming bullet train.He also said six regional economy master plans covering 29 mega projects have been prepared to align investments with each region’s economic strengths.The CM inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition spread on 12,000 sq ft, showcasing advances in industry, agriculture, green energy and services. He interacted with startups and industrialists, stressing private sector and youth participation.
