Surat Civic Boost: 2,700 Jobs, Free Bus Travel for Seniors, Double-Decker Buses at Dumas

Surat | Gujarat — In a major push towards employment generation, improved public transport and tourism development, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has announced three key initiatives that are set to transform civic services in Surat from April 2026.

The civic body has launched a large-scale recruitment drive for more than 2,700 posts, introduced free bus travel for senior citizens and approved electric double-decker buses for tourists visiting the scenic Dumas Beach. Officials say these decisions aim to boost employment opportunities while making the city’s transport system more transparent and modern.

Massive recruitment drive for 2,700 municipal posts

The biggest announcement is the start of the recruitment process for more than 2,700 vacancies across 45 different cadres within the civic administration. According to the municipal Mehakam department, the recruitment includes key positions such as 717 clerks, 444 drivers and 323 marshals.

Officials said the recruitment process is designed to benefit both new applicants and existing employees. While most posts will be filled through direct recruitment, several departmental promotions will also take place through internal examinations.

Senior civic officials said posts such as Section Officer and Assistant Accountant will be filled through departmental exams, giving long-serving municipal staff an opportunity for career advancement.

Eligible candidates will be able to submit applications online through the official website of the Surat Municipal Corporation during March 2026. Reservation benefits will be provided to candidates as per state government rules.

“This recruitment drive will create significant employment opportunities for youth while strengthening civic administration,” officials said.

Strict ticket checks to curb revenue leakage

In another move aimed at improving public transport revenue, Surat Citylink Limited has launched an aggressive “benchmarking activity” across the city’s bus network.

Under the new system, vigilance teams and marshals will conduct 100 percent ticket checking on bus routes from morning till night to prevent fare evasion and revenue loss. Authorities believe this step will significantly improve transparency in the city’s transport operations.

Free bus travel for senior citizens from April 1

Meanwhile, senior citizens in the city have received a major relief with the announcement of free travel on city buses and BRTS services from April 1, 2026.

To facilitate the scheme, nine new discount centres have been set up across the city for issuing passes. So far, more than 62,000 senior citizens have already registered and obtained their travel passes.

Civic officials said the initiative aims to support elderly residents by making daily travel more affordable and accessible.

Double-decker tourist buses at Dumas Sea-Phase

To further enhance tourism infrastructure, the SMC standing committee has approved the purchase of two electric air-conditioned double-decker buses for visitors to the newly developed Dumas Sea‑Phase.

The buses, to be procured from a Chennai-based company, will begin operations next week. Visitors will be able to sit on the upper deck and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline during the ride.

Officials say the initiative will give tourists a “London-style experience” while exploring the popular seaside destination.