City Light, Surat

Surat MC's standing committee has approved the draft budget for 2026-27, adding projects worth Rs 703 crore, bringing the total to Rs 11,301 crore. Key decisions include free BRTS travel for senior citizens and a waiver of property tax for widows. New grant of Rs 25 crore is allocated for religious institutions.

The Surat Metro Phase 1 is on track for an initial operational launch in June 2026, with trial runs currently being conducted on the Dream City to Althan Tenement stretch. The full network, spanning 40.35 km with 38 stations, is expected to be completed by December 2027.

Ahead of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections, residents in several societies have announced a boycott of voting due to long-pending civic issues, including poor basic infrastructure, outdated water and drainage systems, and lack of streetlights.

Surat's real estate market is experiencing steady growth in 2026, driven by expansion of infrastructure projects, and rising interest from NRIs and investors. Smart city initiatives and better urban planning are making Surat a preferred investment destination.

The Surat Municipal Corporation has presented a revised civic budget of ₹11,301 crore for 2026-27, an increase of ₹708 crore from the initial draft. The budget prioritizes capital expenditure and includes initiatives like property tax exemption for registered widow women and a free pass facility for senior citizens on bus services.

Surat has been identified as a key Tier-2 city leading the property boom in 2026, driven by infrastructure development, job growth, and migration. Its status as a global hub for textiles and diamonds, coupled with continuous migration, fuels sustained housing demand. Improved connectivity, industrial expansion, and rising employment opportunities are attracting homebuyers and investors seeking value and long-term appreciation.