Gujarat’s second largest city and a major economic hub in India, Surat, with a population of 4.6 million, has partnered Microsoft India to transform the city into a smart city. The partnership will see the Surat Municipal Council working with Microsoft India's CityNext to design and implement a host of smart city initiatives as part of the council's effort to make Surat one of the early technology and e-Governance adopters for a wide range of citizen services.
According to a statement by Microsoft India, Surat has already implemented several e-Governance and citizen-centric solutions developedby the IT giant including the government administration systems which covers finance & accounts, property tax & revenue collections and material management.
Microsoft CityNext initiative aims to provide a platform for citizens and government to use technology as a medium for development and progress by empowering governments, citizens and businesses to literally transform their cities and their future. According to Microsoft India, the program intends to integrate information technology and human engagement to address infrastructural challenges and create new opportunities for economic growth and improved competitiveness. Through its CityNext initiative, Microsoft India has identified more than 40 solution areas across eight city domains covering Energy and water, Buildings; infrastructure and planning, Transportation, Public safety and justice, Tourism, recreation, and culture, Education, Health and Social services and Government administration.
Milind Torawane, IAS, Surat Municipal Commissioner
Surat is the fourth-fastest growing city in the world, with a population of 50 lakhs. It is a vibrant business hub - 80 percent of the world’s diamonds are processed in Surat, 40 percent of India’s demand for textiles is met by the city and it serves as the economic hub for several industries. In this context, it becomes increasingly important to leverage technology as an enabler of constant modernization. We are excited to partner with Microsoft to transform Surat into a sustainable and competitive city that cares for its citizens.
Neeraj Gill, General Manager – Public Sector,Microsoft India
Through a people-centric approach, we are focused on partnering with Surat in its next phase of transformation - by modernizing now and innovating for the future. Microsoft is excited about the work we have already undertaken and the future solutions we plan to deploy in Surat. Our global experience in implementing this program in cities around the world – from Paris to Chicago – puts us in a unique position to contribute to Surat. Microsoft CityNext puts the citizens at the very center, to help develop a sustainable and future-ready city. This can serve as a model for other Indian cities, in line with the Indian Government’s vision of 100 smart cities.
