Surat : In a first, two metro stations to transform into affordable urban, commercial hubs

Surat, Gujarat – Just Imagine stepping out of your apartment directly onto a metro platform, ready for your commute, with shops and services just an elevator ride away. This isn’t a futuristic dream, but a reality taking shape in Surat, Gujarat.

For the first time in India, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) is pioneering a revolutionary multi-level development model, integrating affordable housing and commercial complexes directly atop metro stations in the diamond city of Surat. This innovative project, set to cost ₹123.36 crore and be completed within 24 months, will see residential and commercial units rise above the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) Aquarium in Pal and Model Town metro station in Parvat Patiya on Surat Metro Line-2.

GMRC has recently floated tenders for this ambitious undertaking, which aims to redefine urban living and infrastructure development. The core concept behind this initiative is a multi-level structure where the metro station forms the base, a podium floor above it will host various facilities, and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats will crown the edifice. This ingenious use of space exemplifies the government’s commitment to optimal land utilization, simultaneously addressing the critical need for affordable housing for the urban poor while advancing urban infrastructure.

“This project is a testament to Surat’s vision as a Smart City,” stated a GMRC official from the Planning and Project Department. “It goes beyond just transport; the metro station will become a complete urban center, a vibrant hub of activity.” This strategic integration of smart transit with the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model is poised to accelerate Surat’s development, setting a benchmark for other cities across the nation. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the Smart City Mission’s focus on digital, green, and sustainable infrastructure, promising a synergistic effect on urban growth.

The transformation this project promises for Surat is multifaceted. Narendra Lohia, Executive Director of Surat Metro Rail Corporation, elaborated on the impact: “This is the first such scheme in the country under the Surat Metro Project, where housing is being built above the metro station for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). A house above and a metro station below – this unique structure will not only save time but also reduce daily expenses.”

This unique “house above, metro below” concept is expected to significantly reduce dependence on private vehicles, leading to decreased traffic congestion and lower pollution levels. Furthermore, the development will create local employment opportunities and provide much-needed affordable homes. The station areas are envisioned to evolve into dynamic urban hubs, offering residents direct and affordable transport facilities right from their doorstep.

Detailed designs for the EWS tower are ready for both the Aquarium and Parvat Patiya Model Town stations. Each station will feature two towers, with each tower comprising seven floors and 24 flats per floor. Each flat will boast a generous size of 76.65 sq m, with a carpet area of 44.98 sq m. The staircase and lobby area will span 345 sq m, and with seven floors, each tower will provide 6,125 sq m of space. A total of 168 flats are planned for each tower. Crucially, the lift systems are designed to offer direct access from the flats to the metro station platform. For those not using the metro, dedicated parking facilities will allow seamless access to the city’s main roads.

This pioneering project, prioritizing ‘Class-I local suppliers’ under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, is not just about concrete and steel; it’s about building communities and a sustainable future.