Surat : Hurun India has released its list of the top ten richest people in India, and it also includes the top ten businessmen from Surat. One name that stands out is Dr. Faruk Patel, known as the “Solar King” of the KP Group. In 1994, the son of a bus conductor started his business journey with a capital of just Rs 1 lakh under the name KP Group. Through relentless effort, innovation, and strong management, Dr. Patel has made KP Group one of the top five businesses in Surat. With a net worth of Rs 9,700 crores, Dr. Faruk Patel has now become the second richest businessman in Surat.
Surat is home to 28 billionaires. Leading the pack among the top ten is Ashwin Desai of Aether Industries with a net worth of Rs 10,700 crores. Dr. Faruk Patel, with his companies KPI Green Energy, KP Energy, and KP Green Engineering, has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector. These companies have a combined market capitalization of over Rs 18,000 crores. They have installed 473 MW of solar power and have 2.33 GW of orders in the pipeline. In the wind energy sector, they have completed 840 MW projects, with 1009 MW orders pending.
In March 2024, Dr. Faruk Patel ‘s third company, KP Green Engineering, launched the country’s largest IPO of Rs 189.50 crore on the BSE’s MSE platform. KP Green is currently building Asia’s largest galvanizing kettle at a new plant in Matar village. Additionally, Dr. Patel’s company owns Gujarat’s largest private solar park and holds the record for installing the first seven wind turbines in South Gujarat. He is also recognized as the largest individual taxpayer in Surat.
Other top business tycoons from Surat in the list include:-
- Niraj Choksi of NJ Indiana with Rs 9,600 crores
- Babu Tathi of Kiran James & Family with Rs 7,400 crores
- Govindbhai Dholakia of Shree Ramakrishna Export with Rs 6,100 crores
- Jayantilal Jariwala of ColorTex Industries with Rs 5,300 crores
- Savjibhai Dholakia of Harikrishna Export with Rs 3,700 crores
- Laljibhai Patel & Family of Dharmanandan Diamonds with Rs 3,600 crores
- Tulsi Dholakia of Harikrishna Export with Rs 3,100 crores-
- Varsambhai Narola & Family of Shree Ramakrishna Exports with assets worth Rs 3,100 crores.
This list highlights the dynamic growth and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Surat.