KOCHI – A major stride for Kerala’s technology sector is underway as the State government grants administrative sanction for a new non-Special Economic Zone (SEZ) IT building. Located on a prime 88-cent plot within Infopark Kochi’s first phase, this development promises to unlock significant growth opportunities.
The planned 1.90-lakh square feet facility, with an estimated budget of ₹118.33 crore, will be financed through a combination of Infopark’s internal funds and a substantial bank term loan, as confirmed by the Chief Minister’s Office. This much-anticipated decision is poised to revitalize the thriving IT organization, which has been severely constrained by a lack of space, evident from the lengthy waiting list of over a hundred companies eager to set up operations.
Forging Ahead with an AI Township
Adding to this momentum, Infopark recently partnered with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Infopark Phase 3. This ambitious project is set to transform the region into Kerala’s inaugural Integrated AI Township. Envisioned to cover more than 300 acres in Ernakulam district, including 100 acres specifically allocated for IT development, this expansion signifies a bold move towards futuristic technology.
The land required for Phase 3 will be acquired through an innovative land pooling initiative spearheaded by the GCDA. This strategic move aims to draw in prominent global tech giants and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) from leading corporations. Projections indicate that the project will attract investments totaling approximately ₹25,000 crore and create nearly two lakh direct jobs, with an additional twice that number in indirect employment opportunities.
The 300-Acre Land Pooling Initiative
Sources from the GCDA revealed that a new office dedicated to land pooling is scheduled to open at Infopark on October 17. This office will be jointly managed by staff from both the GCDA and Infopark. Following its establishment, a formal notification for the pooling of 300 acres of land, the specific details of which are still being finalized, will be issued.
A pivotal government order, issued on October 18, 2024, designated the GCDA as the authorized body for this proposed land pooling. This designation falls under Section 56 of the Kerala Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, with the land pooling rules formally integrated through an extraordinary government gazette on March 16, 2024. This marks a significant precedent, making the GCDA the first local body to serve as an ‘appropriate authority’ facilitating land acquisition for a major State project under these new land pooling regulations.
Ensuring Landowner Participation
For the scheme to proceed, a minimum of 75% consent from landowners within the designated land pooling area is required before the appropriate authority can issue the final notification for drafting the scheme. Importantly, the regulations mandate the inclusion of landowners who do not initially provide consent. Should consent remain insufficient, the appropriate authority, with government approval, retains the power to make a suitable decision regarding the scheme’s progression. Landowners possessing plots of at least five hectares in Corporations, seven hectares in municipalities, and ten hectares in panchayats are eligible to apply to the appropriate authority for the inclusion of their properties in a land pooling scheme within their respective jurisdictions.