On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat, a monumental occasion marking the establishment of the world's largest office building. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Surat Diamond Bourse is poised to become the largest and most advanced center globally for the international diamond and jewelry trade.
The statement elaborated on the multifaceted role the building will play, serving as a global hub for the trading of both rough and polished diamonds, along with jewelry. The Surat Diamond Bourse encompasses cutting-edge features, including a state-of-the-art 'Customs Clearance House' designed for import and export operations, a dedicated jewelry mall catering to retail businesses, and a specialized facility for international banking services complemented by secure vaults.
Notably, the Guinness World Records recognized the building in August as the largest office building globally. The Surat Diamond Bourse, situated within the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City, began construction in February 2015 and reached completion in 2022. The structure, constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 3,500 crore, boasts an impressive floor space of 67 lakh square feet and accommodates nearly 4,500 diamond trading offices.
Spanning a sprawling 35.54 acres, the megastructure features nine ground towers and 15 floors, offering office spaces ranging from 300 sq ft to 1 lakh sq ft. The nine interconnected rectangular towers are linked by a central spine, contributing to the building's platinum ranking from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
In a noteworthy development, Vallabhbhai Lakhani, a billionaire diamond trader and Director of Kiran Gems, has relocated his Rs 17,000-crore business to the Diamond Bourse. Additionally, he is spearheading the development of a mini-township to provide housing for his employees, underscoring the transformative impact of the Surat Diamond Bourse on the diamond industry and associated businesses.
