SURAT, GUJARAT, INDIA — The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has proposed a ₹77 crore water infrastructure project near Surat International Airport aimed at strengthening the city’s potable water distribution network and meeting growing demand in its coastal and expanding residential areas. The proposal was submitted to top officials for approval by the municipality in late December 2025. The Times of India

As Surat continues to develop rapidly and urban populations rise, enhancing water supply systems has become a strategic priority for local authorities to ensure reliable access to clean drinking water and support sustainable urban growth.

Project Overview: Scale, Investment, and Coverage

The water infrastructure project is estimated to cost ₹77 crore (7700 lakh rupees) and includes the following major components:

• Construction of a 120‑lakh‑litre underground water storage tank

• Installation of a booster house to support water pressure and distribution

• Provision of auxiliary facilities including toilet blocks and security cabins

• Development of five overhead water tanks

• Laying an extensive pipeline network to strengthen distribution capacity

The project is designed to improve fresh water distribution in the city’s coastal and peri‑urban localities, including Dumas, Sultanabad, Bhimpore, and nearby neighbourhoods. Surat’s coastal zone has experienced rapid residential and commercial growth, underscoring the need for upgraded water supply infrastructure.

Municipal and Engineering Context

Surat, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, is one of the fastest‑growing urban centres in the country, driven by its textile and diamond industries as well as broader economic expansion. With a population of several million and ongoing urban development, the city faces increasing pressure on its infrastructure, particularly water supply and distribution systems.

The city’s municipal water supply master plan anticipates continued expansion of piped water networks and storage facilities to meet future demand and maintain service reliability. According to publicly available planning documents, Surat’s Water Supply Master Plan includes strategies to augment treatment capacity, increase reservoir storage, and expand distribution pipelines to cover extended urban areas. suratmunicipal.gov.in

Investments in additional storage capacity and distribution infrastructure are essential for several reasons:

• Managing peak demand during seasons of high usage

• Ensuring continuous supply in fast‑growing residential areas

• Reducing reliance on decentralized sources, such as borewells

• Mitigating pressure fluctuations that can cause system inefficiencies

The proposed airport‑area project aligns with these broader system objectives and reflects a coordinated effort to modernize Surat’s municipal water framework.

Engineering and Infrastructure Considerations

While this specific announcement does not detail the exact types of pipeline materials to be used, large‑scale water distribution expansions typically prioritise pipe materials that balance durability, ease of installation, and long service life. Modern municipal networks often employ robust materials such as ductile iron, steel, or high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) depending on local conditions and long‑term maintenance considerations.

Engineering criteria for distribution pipe networks generally include:

• Pressure handling capability to maintain flow under varying demand

• Resistance to corrosion and soil conditions for underground installations

• Compatibility with existing network segments to ensure seamless integration

• Ease of maintenance and longevity to minimise lifecycle costs

Material choice is typically informed by water quality parameters, ground conditions, expected service life, and compliance with relevant industry standards.

Water Supply Planning in Surat

Water supply planning in Surat is guided by long‑term forecasts and master plans that account for population growth and urban expansion up to at least 2041. According to municipal water supply planning documents, Surat has implemented phases of network augmentation including source expansion, treatment capacity increases, and reservoir development to ensure adequate potable water reaches all parts of the city.

The proposed infrastructure near the airport contributes to this plan by enhancing storage capacity and improving distribution reach into areas that have experienced recent growth. Expanded overhead and underground storage facilities help manage daily fluctuations in demand and support supply continuity even during maintenance periods or system adjustments.

Conclusion

The Surat Municipal Corporation’s ₹77 crore water infrastructure proposal near the international airport represents a targeted effort to strengthen municipal water delivery in coastal and rapidly developing zones. By planning additional storage tanks, booster facilities, and an extended distribution network, the initiative supports municipal goals of increased reliability, service continuity, and sustainable water management.

As urban populations continue to rise and development pressures grow, projects such as this contribute to a broader trend among fast‑growing cities to invest in resilient and scalable water infrastructure capable of meeting both present and future needs.