Gujarat Budget 2026-27 wins industry praise for textile and GIDC infra push

Surat | Gujarat — The Gujarat Budget 2026-27 has drawn strong praise from Surat’s industrial fraternity, with textile and MSME leaders calling it a “growth-oriented and industry-friendly” roadmap that will strengthen the state’s manufacturing backbone. With a massive ₹4,08,053 crore outlay, the budget places significant emphasis on textile industries, MSMEs and modernization of GIDC infrastructure.

Kamalvijay Tulsyan, President of the Pandesara GIDC Industries Association in Surat, described the budget presented by Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai as historic. “This is truly a budget to promote the textile industry. The ₹2,755 crore provision for the textile sector and ₹1,775 crore support for MSMEs are extremely positive and encouraging for a textile hub like Surat. These provisions will make our industrialists stronger and more competitive,” Tulsyan said.

He highlighted the allocation of ₹1,250 crore to transform 25 GIDCs into Smart GIDCs and ₹50 crore for upgrading 120 mini GIDCs across the state. According to him, modern infrastructure and improved utilities such as water, electricity, gas and digital connectivity will create a more efficient business ecosystem. “This will significantly enhance production capacity and generate new employment opportunities. Smart GIDCs will provide the foundation for future-ready industries,” he added.

Tulsyan also welcomed investments in i-Hub Regional Centres, urban infrastructure and health facilities, stating that improved quality of life directly impacts industrial productivity. “When infrastructure improves, industries expand. This approach will help make Surat a stronger and more developed economic capital of Gujarat,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mayur Golwala, Secretary of Sachin Industrial Cooperative Society in Surat, termed the budget a major boost for industrial infrastructure and small textile units operating in GIDCs. “The ₹2,755 crore allocation for textiles and ₹1,775 crore promotion for MSMEs are very positive steps. For industrialists, reliable infrastructure and utilities are crucial. The Smart GIDC initiative will modernize industrial estates and enhance operational efficiency,” Golwala said.

He emphasized that the combined investments in infrastructure, innovation hubs and social facilities would not only improve productivity but also strengthen Surat’s position in global textile markets. “These policies provide industries with opportunities to expand, create jobs and compete internationally. We hope this approach will make Surat an even stronger engine of economic growth,” he added.