Getting Around Surat: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Surat is a city where travelers can find some areas that are pedestrian-friendly, particularly neighborhoods like Parle Point and Rander Road. These areas offer cafes, shops, and amenities within a comfortable walking distance. However, the overall pedestrian infrastructure across the city varies, requiring other modes of transport for further exploration or routine errands. While improvements have been made in recent years, the lack of consistent pedestrian paths means that travelers should choose their bases carefully to maximize walkability.

Surat provides a developing public transportation system, notably the Surat Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) called Sitilink, along with numerous city buses. These facilities are bolstered by technological management systems that aim to improve reliability and coverage. Although a metro is under construction, the existing networks make public transit a feasible choice, especially along certain routes. For travelers, while public transport offers convenience and cost-effectiveness, it requires some planning and doesn’t yet match the reach and flexibility of systems in major world cities.

Surat has made strides in supporting cycling with the development of dedicated bike lanes, aiming to encourage non-motorized transport. Despite these efforts, challenges remain due to maintenance issues, the mixed use of lanes by non-cyclists, and significant traffic that can make biking daunting. The flat terrain is beneficial for cyclists, but overall, biking may be best suited to shorter excursions within specific districts rather than comprehensive city travel. Thus, for travelers, while biking is an option, it is not without its hurdles.