Diamond and textile industry players, among others, have welcomed the Union cabinet’s recent decision to give Surat airport the international tag.
Surat Diamond Association President Jagdish Khunt said, “It was our age-old demand that Surat be given international air connectivity and the demand has now been fulfilled. The diamond industry is export-oriented as 85 per cent of polished, natural, and lab-grown diamonds are exported. Earlier the diamond merchants of Surat had to travel to Mumbai to reach foreign destinations. Similarly, international buyers coming to Surat had to reach Mumbai first and then come to Surat. Now, they can directly land at Surat airport and go to the Surat Diamond Bourse… Surat is known worldwide as a diamond-cutting and polishing hub. Out of 10 polished diamonds in the world, eight are cut and polished in Surat city.”
South Gujarat Textile Processing Association President Jitubhai Vakhariya said, “The garment sector in Surat is running at a slow pace. International connectivity would provide a major scope for the garment industry to grow. Buyers from around the world can come directly to Surat and do business. Apart from this, we hope many international investors will set up garment units in Surat, as quality fabrics are easily available here. Trade and industry will automatically benefit from international connectivity.”
Southern Gujarat Hotel and Restaurant Association President Sanat Relia said, “For the growth of any city, proper infrastructure is necessary. Surat has good bus connectivity and now metro rail is also coming up. Once Surat starts getting international flights, it will also encourage international hospitality brands to set up 7-star hotels in the city… The decision of the Union cabinet will also help promote medical tourism… We wish the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is held in Surat city as well.”
Kamal Saiyed is a senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, providing extensive, on-the-ground coverage from Surat and the broader South Gujarat region and the Union territories of Daman, Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli. With a reporting career at the publication spanning back to 2007, he has established himself as a high-authority voice on the industrial, social, and political pulse of one of India’s fastest-growing urban hubs.
Expertise
Industrial & Economic Beat: Based in the "Diamond City," Saiyed offers expert reporting on the diamond and textile industries. His work tracks global market shifts (such as De Beers production changes), local trade policies, and the socio-economic challenges facing the millions of workers in Surat’s manufacturing hubs.
Civic & Infrastructure Coverage: He consistently reports on urban development and public safety in Surat, including:
Traffic & Urban Planning: Monitoring the city's 13-fold increase in traffic violations and the implementation of new municipal drives.
Public Safety: Investigative reporting on infrastructure failures, fire safety NOC compliance in schools and commercial buildings, and Metro rail progress.
Political Reporting: Tracking the shifting dynamics between the BJP, Congress, and AAP in South Gujarat and the neighboring Union Territories (Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli).
Crime beat: Armed with a good source network Saiyed has been able to bring out the human side of crime stories in his region ... Read More
