Surat, May 2 — Located on the bustling Ring Road, Millennium Textile Market stands as one of the city’s most prominent hubs for textile trade. Established in 2001 by Basantbhai Gajera, owner of Laxmi Diamond, the market has grown into a vital commercial destination, housing approximately 3,300 shops, with around 2 percent currently non-operational.
In a conversation with Loktej correspondent, Sureshbhai Modi shared insights into the market's strengths and structure. The market is primarily known for four major categories of textile products—garments, sarees, lehengas, and dyeable fabrics. Among these, fabric-based sarees witness the highest sales volume, attracting both domestic and international buyers.
Merchants from across India frequent Millennium Market, alongside traders from international destinations such as Dubai, Canada, and Gulf countries. Large-scale transactions are often conducted via cheque payments, with extended credit terms of 45, 60, or 90 days. In cases of delayed payments, the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTA) is approached for resolution.
The market’s smooth functioning is overseen by a committee of seven members, responsible for day-to-day operations and overall management. Each shop contributes ₹1,500 as a maintenance fee to support essential services.
On the safety front, all shops and corridors are equipped with fire safety measures, and monthly mock drills are conducted to ensure preparedness. The market’s infrastructure is another highlight, featuring road access on all four sides, organized parking facilities, 24-hour security, and extensive CCTV surveillance.
These combined features make Millennium Textile Market not just a thriving local business hub, but also a safe and efficiently managed center that upholds Surat’s legacy as a major textile capital of India.
