PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Rs 1,058 cr project in Surat

The Surat Municipal Corporation has become the only municipal corporation in the country that is no more dependent on an external power supply for its water distribution network.

A 1 MW solar power plant of SMC was among the host of projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Surat on Wednesday. The solar power plants, executed by Waaree Energies, are located at three water distribution plants and 18 municipal schools. The power generated through these plants will be used for the city's waterworks, water distribution centre, and water treatment plant.

"With the addition of these solar plants, Surat Municipal Corporation has become the first municipal corporation in the country that is no more dependent on any electricity company for water distribution," the release by Waaree Energies said.

The solar plants are expected to generate close to 1.20 mega units, which would result in saving of Rs6 lakh per month. The project was completed in a record 50 days.

During his Surat visit, Modi inaugurated projects of more than Rs 1,058 crore. He laid the foundation stone for expansion of Surat airport terminal building, which would come up at a cost of Rs354 crore. To be spread over 25,500 sq mt, the terminal will be an eco-friendly sustainable building, using solar energy and LED lighting.

The other projects inaugurated by Modi include a flyover on Sayan road, a housing scheme, a topiary garden, and a sewage pumping station of Surat Municipal Corporation.