Surat: In a fresh push to make the world’s largest office complex fully functional, around 35 leading diamond traders and 65 small traders began operations at the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on Wednesday.While 35 top traders started functioning from their own offices, 65 small traders began work from co-working cabins within the complex. Several attempts have been made to operationalise the bourse since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dec 2023.SDB committee members described the development as a landmark moment, stating that for the first time, prominent traders had commenced operations from the complex. They said the presence of leading traders would help complete the diamond trade ecosystem at the bourse.The 35 traders, previously operating from the traditional diamond hubs of Mahidharpura and Varachha, recently completed furnishing their offices before shifting. The premises witnessed significant activity throughout the day, with traders, brokers and staff marking the beginning of operations.SDB vice chairman Laljibhai Patel termed the move a sign of unity within Surat’s diamond industry and expressed confidence that more traders would shift in the coming months, strengthening the bourse as a global trading hub.To improve connectivity, three new bus routes have been introduced from Varachha, Katargam and Adajan, with multiple trips scheduled daily for traders and employees. The Customs department has also set up an office at the bourse to facilitate trade and exports.SDB committee members said the positive momentum is expected to encourage more traders from Mahidharpura and Varachha to shift operations in the near future, with several new office openings anticipated in the coming months.
