Surat Diamond Bourse: A New Infrastructural Marvel, a City Within a City 2023
Most diamonds are cut in Surat, Gujarat, which has the most significant diamond workers worldwide.
The Pentagon is surpassed by the Surat Diamond Bourse as the most significant commercial structure in the world, with a built-up size of 7.1 million square feet. Sixty-seven thousand industry experts are gathered under one roof at the Bourse.
On a 35.3-acre plot of land, the 15-story Diamond Bourse is located. The structure is connected vertically and horizontally across all floors via a central axis. The Diamond Club is positioned as a monolithic insert on the property’s northwest side, extending from the axis’ free-flowing walls and using the frontage for maximum exposure.
Locally produced materials were used in the building. The construction’s Lakha red granite and Gwalior white sandstone came from a 300-kilometre radius. All phases of construction used the Deccan Plateau’s stone-working groups.
Nine office skyscrapers that veer off the central axis may be seen at The Bourse. Relaxation areas with covered courtyards open all year surround them. The 15-story office buildings are north-south, blocking the solid western sun and allowing 75% of the workplaces to have diffused light all day.
The Bourse operates independently and as a single entity with 4,717 offices ranging in size from 28 square metres to more than 10,500 square metres. A city within a city is created as a result.
A large 10,000 square metre food zone, a retail plaza, and more than 8,000 square metres of health and wellness, conference rooms, and banquet facilities are just a few of the attractions available.
Since Surat in Gujarat is where most diamonds are cut, it is home to the most prominent diamond workers worldwide. And thus, the recently constructed Bourse will prove advantageous for the workers as well as the traders that go to the city from afar to conduct business. The structure unites this large community by bringing all cutting, polishing, and trade industries under one roof.
In the heart of India’s diamond capital, Surat, a stunning testament to modern architecture and innovation has risen — the Surat Diamond Bourse. As of 2023, this ambitious project has been operational, proving to be more than just an infrastructural behemoth but a microcosm of the city, incorporating residential, commercial, and leisure amenities within its sprawling complex.
The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) is in Dream City, Surat. Covering an enormous 35 lakh square feet, the Bourse is a colossal monument to the city’s thriving diamond industry. It comprises nine towers, each rising 15 stories, creating a distinctive skyline against the town’s backdrop.
Each tower is interconnected via sky bridges, allowing seamless inter-tower movement and communication. The buildings were designed with energy efficiency and sustainability, employing solar power, green building materials, and sophisticated waste management systems.
Each of the nine towers of the Surat Diamond Bourse is unique and caters towards different facets of the diamond industry. The towers include offices, trading halls, and certification and assay services to facilitate a smooth trading process. The complex also boasts state-of-the-art security features, including biometric security systems and a dedicated Customs department to oversee international transactions.
But the Surat Diamond Bourse is more than just a hub for the diamond industry. True to its reputation as a ‘city within a city’, the Bourse provides a wealth of amenities for its occupants—the complex houses residential apartments, offering a convenient solution for employees seeking to live near their workplaces.
Further, the Bourse features shopping complexes, cinemas, restaurants, and cafeterias. There are landscaped gardens, a golf course, and a clubhouse for leisure and relaxation. Healthcare facilities and educational institutions are also within the complex, making it a fully self-sufficient entity.
The significance of the Surat Diamond Bourse goes beyond its grand size and impressive facilities. The Bourse consolidates Surat’s position as the global leader in the diamond industry. Over 90% of the world’s rough diamonds are cut and polished in Surat, and the Bourse is expected to bolster the city’s diamond trade significantly.
The Bourse streamlines the diamond trading process by bringing all facets of the diamond industry under one roof — from importers and traders to cutters, polishers, and certifiers. It creates a one-stop shop that could attract global traders and potentially stimulate more significant economic activity in the region.
Moreover, the Bourse is estimated to create over 150,000 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. The concentration of the diamond trade in Surat also has the potential to attract ancillary businesses and industries, further stimulating economic growth.
The Surat Diamond Bourse is a remarkable testament to the city’s ambition and capacity for growth. By combining the commercial needs of the diamond industry with a holistic approach to the well-being of its occupants, the Bourse is a shining example of sustainable, inclusive urban development.
With its innovative design, comprehensive amenities, and promising economic potential, the Surat Diamond Bourse truly stands as a city within a city.
