Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a visit to Gujarat's Surat district for the inaugural ceremony of the newly established Surat Diamond Bourse. Emphasizing the significance of this occasion, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement underscoring that, upon its inauguration, the Surat Diamond Bourse is poised to become the world's largest and most advanced hub for international diamond and jewelry business operations.
The Surat Diamond Bourse is envisioned to serve as a global epicenter for the trading of both rough and polished diamonds, along with jewelry. The facility boasts a multifaceted infrastructure, including a cutting-edge 'Customs Clearance House' designed for import and export operations, a dedicated jewelry mall tailored for retail business, and a specialized area for international banking services complemented by secure vaults.
In anticipation of the event, Prime Minister Modi took to X to share details about the inauguration ceremony, expressing his excitement about the positive impact it would have on the diamond industry. He elaborated on the integral components of the Bourse, highlighting the role of the 'Customs Clearance House,' the Jewelry Mall, and the International Banking and Safe Vaults.
Accompanied by vivid visuals of the Diamond Bourse, the Prime Minister's post on X provided a sneak peek into the architectural marvel that has been constructed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 3,500 crore. Spanning an impressive 67 lakh square feet of floor space, the building accommodates nearly 4,500 diamond trading offices.
Earlier in August, the Diamond Bourse, an integral part of the larger Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City project, achieved global recognition by securing a place in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest office building. Situated on a sprawling 35.54-acre plot, the megastructure comprises nine ground towers and 15 floors, offering office spaces ranging from 300 sq ft to 1 lakh sq ft. The interconnected towers, forming a central spine, reflect a platinum ranking from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
A noteworthy development is the relocation of billionaire diamond trader Vallabhbhai Lakhani, the Director of Kiran Gems, who has transferred his Rs 17,000-crore business to the Diamond Bourse. Additionally, he is spearheading the development of a mini-township to accommodate his employees.
Following the inaugural event, Prime Minister Modi's itinerary includes a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi, where he is set to participate in various events, concluding a day marked by significant inaugurations and civic engagements.