New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS): The Surat Municipal Corporation has tied up with Microsoft India to transform the economic capital of Gujarat into a smart city, a statement said Friday.

With the help of Microsoft and its partner ecosystem, the city administration is evaluating technology infrastructure to meet the changing needs of its citizens, it said.

Surat is the fourth fastest growing city in the world, with a population of 50 lakh. It is a business hub with 80 percent of the world's diamonds being processed in Surat and 40 percent of India's demand for textiles being met by the city -- besides, it serves as the economic hub for several industries.

"In this context, it becomes increasingly important to leverage technology as an enabler of constant modernisation. We are excited to partner with Microsoft to transform Surat into a sustainable and competitive city that cares for its people," Surat Municipal Commissioner Milind Torawane said.

"Our existing adoption of technology is benefitting Surat in several ways. With various service delivery channels like City Civic Centre, Virtual Civic Centre (online services through website) and mobile app, citizens are able to access the services easily and quickly," he said.

"Through a people-centric approach, we are focused on partnering with Surat in its next phase of transformation. Our global experience in implementing this programme in cities around the world - from Paris to Chicago - puts us in a unique position to contribute to Surat," said Neeraj Gill, general manager, public sector, Microsoft India.