The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has unveiled a draft budget of Rs 9,603 crore for the financial year 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 730 crore from the previous year. Despite the substantial budget allocation, municipal commissioner Shalini Agarwal has confirmed that there will be no hike in taxes or user charges.
Shalini Agarwal emphasized that this is the biggest budget ever presented by SMC without any increase in tax rates. The budget also includes a revenue surplus of Rs 469 crore while setting an ambitious revenue target of Rs 5,500 crore for the year.
Key Infrastructure and Development Projects
SMC has provided a performance budget, detailing the progress of various ongoing projects from the previous budget.
- Dumas Seaface Development: Work continues at a total cost of Rs 257 crore across different segments. The Tapi Shuddhikaran Project, originally allocated Rs 151 crore in 2024-25, has now been reduced to Rs 25 crore, as it is expected to conclude by 2025-26.
- TSP Projects in SMC and SUDA Limits: Major infrastructure developments include a 195 km drainage network, a 41 km rising line, 23 sewage pumping stations, and 11 sewage treatment plants.
- Creek Embankment Project: Rs 75 crore has been earmarked in the budget for this initiative.
- Koyli Rivulet Development: Restructuring, remodeling, and vehicle track work are underway at an estimated cost of Rs 419 crore.
- Bhedwad Rivulet Protection Wall: A Rs 700 crore project has been proposed to construct a 1,100-meter-long protection wall.
Riverfront Development and Barrage Project
The long-awaited Riverfront Development Project is also making progress. In the first phase, stormwater drainage outlets between the weir-cum-causeway and an under-construction conventional barrage are being diverted downstream of the Tapi River. The total cost of this project is estimated at Rs 1,169 crore.
Under the water resource and recreation cell, Rs 547 crore has been allotted for the conventional barrage, which is currently under development. Additionally, work on a flyover near Rahul Raj Mall has commenced as part of this broader initiative.
Bridge Repairs and Upgrades
Alongside new flyovers and river bridges, SMC has initiated regular repair and restoration work on existing bridges under a special scheme. Funds have been allocated specifically for this purpose to ensure the safety and longevity of Surat’s bridge infrastructure.
With significant investments across multiple infrastructure sectors, SMC’s latest budget aims to enhance the city’s development without imposing additional financial burdens on its residents.
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