Surat: In a major development for the diamond industry, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home and Industries, Harsh Sanghavi, has announced that all diamond trading offices will commence full operations at the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) starting January 23, 2026.
The decision was taken following consultations with traders, brokers, and small business owners from Surat’s prominent diamond hubs—Mahidharpura, Varachha, and Katargam. From the declared date, existing offices at Mahidharpura will close, and all trading activities will be centralized within the SDB complex.
The announcement was made during a landmark meeting attended by SDB Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Govind Dholakia, Vice Chairman Laljibhai T. Patel, and hundreds of key industry stakeholders.
Minister Sanghavi emphasized that the move will especially benefit small traders and brokers, enabling buyers and sellers to operate under one roof, enhancing transparency, convenience, and overall trade efficiency.
To further support small businesses, Sanghavi declared that office-cum-cabins would be made available at SDB for just Rs. 15,000. This move aims to remove the financial barriers that previously prevented smaller traders from transitioning into the Bourse.
While most traders have welcomed the shift, a section of Jain traders from Palanpur, Deesa, and Dhanera—who wield significant influence over Mahidharpura’s diamond market—have shown reluctance. In response, Sanghavi, along with leaders Arvind Ajbani and Ashish Doshi, has begun outreach efforts to win their support.
Sanghavi asserted that SDB is poised to become a global center of inspiration for diamond trading. However, he acknowledged past setbacks—including the resignation of prominent industrialist Vallabhbhai Lakhani, who stepped down due to slow progress. Additionally, several banks and retail outlets such as Amul and Sumul have ceased operations at the SDB complex in previous years.
One of the major hurdles in SDB’s expansion remains the limited infrastructure at Surat Airport. The absence of wide-body aircraft landing facilities and direct connectivity for international buyers has hampered growth. Though limited flights to Dubai and Bangkok have been introduced following central government efforts, ongoing runway construction continues to restrict broader international access.
Meanwhile, the India Jewellery Park project in Navi Mumbai, which is progressing rapidly with over 2,000 planned units, is emerging as a potential competitor to SDB.
As the diamond industry looks to reaffirm Surat’s global position, the full operational launch of SDB on January 23 will be a decisive moment. Whether this effort propels Surat to become the undisputed global capital of diamond trading remains to be seen.
