Surat shuts shop today

To press for increased air connectivity for Surat,the city BJP backed by traders’ associations like Surat Diamond Association and Federation of Textile Traders Association has called for a bandh on Friday. Party workers will stage a protest at the airport while textile and diamond units will down shutters for a day.

At present,there is just one flight between Surat and Delhi.

Earlier,a group of youths had even launched an online campaign to press the demand.

Surat Diamond Association President Dinesh Navadia said,“We have supported the agitation since the demand is genuine. The diamond industry here is well developed and trading activities are also carried out in Mumbai. Our international buyers don’t get flights to Surat from Mumbai or other states,as a result of which they fail to come to Surat. This hurts our business.”

He added: “If Surat gets more air connectivity,the diamond industry will get more business. Diamond merchants from the city frequently visit Mumbai and other states and airlines are sure to get good business too.”

Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association chief Devkishan Mankani said textile traders too have to travel to other states frequently and that the train travel takes much time.

City BJP president Purnesh Modi said,“Surat is the financial capital of Guajrat. If it gets more air connectivity,the city will grow much bigger financially.” Party workers will stage a protest at the airport while textile and diamond units will down shutters for a day.

At present,there is just one flight between Surat and Delhi.

Earlier,a group of youths had even launched an online campaign to press the demand.

Surat Diamond Association President Dinesh Navadia said,“We have supported the agitation since the demand is genuine. The diamond industry here is well developed and trading activities are also carried out in Mumbai. Our international buyers don’t get flights to Surat from Mumbai or other states,as a result of which they fail to come to Surat. This hurts our business.”

He added: “If Surat gets more air connectivity,the diamond industry will get more business. Diamond merchants from the city frequently visit Mumbai and other states and airlines are sure to get good business too.”

Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association chief Devkishan Mankani said textile traders too have to travel to other states frequently and that the train travel takes much time.

City BJP president Purnesh Modi said,“Surat is the financial capital of Guajrat. If it gets more air connectivity,the city will grow much bigger financially.”