On December 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) building, a newly constructed marvel and the world's largest office complex, situated in Gujarat. With an estimated cost of around Rs 3,500 crore, this monumental structure boasts a sprawling floor space of 67 lakh square feet and is designed to accommodate nearly 4,500 diamond trading offices.
The accolades for the SDB building extend beyond its grandeur, as in August of this year, it earned recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest office building globally. Nestled within the expansive Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City, this megastructure occupies a substantial 35.54-acre plot and features nine ground towers complemented by 15 floors. The office spaces within vary from 300 sq ft to a staggering 1 lakh sq ft. A defining feature is the interconnectedness of the nine rectangular towers through a central spine, contributing to the building's unique architectural layout. Furthermore, the SDB building has been accorded a platinum ranking by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The preparations for the inauguration event have been meticulous, with invitations extended to an extensive guest list of around 70,000 individuals hailing from various parts of the country and the world. Notably, several diamond trading firms have already commenced operations within the SDB in recent weeks. The overarching objective is for the building to serve as a centralized hub for over 65,000 diamond experts, encompassing professionals involved in cutting, polishing, and trading.
Beyond its primary function as a hub for diamond-related activities, the Diamond Bourse campus offers a diverse array of facilities, including secure deposit vaults, conference halls, multipurpose halls, restaurants, banks, customs clearance house, convention center, exhibition spaces, training facilities, entertainment areas, and a club, all complemented by robust security measures. The comprehensive amenities and infrastructure aim to establish the SDB as a multifaceted center catering to the diverse needs of the diamond industry.
The inception of this monumental project dates back to February 2015, marking a significant journey from conceptualization to realization. As the SDB prepares to make its mark on the global stage, the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies a momentous occasion in the realm of architectural and economic accomplishments.
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