Kochi’s Infopark is gearing up for a significant expansion with Phase-III, envisioned as a cutting-edge ‘Integrated AI Township.’ According to CEO Susanth Kurunthil, this transformative project is on track for completion by 2030, promising to redefine the technological landscape of the region.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Infopark and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), who recently formalized their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement outlines the implementation of the project using a land pooling model, an innovative approach where smaller land parcels are consolidated, developed systematically, and a portion returned to the original landowners.
Spanning an expansive 300 acres, the proposed township will dedicate 100 acres specifically to IT businesses. The GCDA is tasked with identifying suitable land for this development within the Kizhakkambalam and Kunnathunad panchayats, strategically chosen for their geographical proximity to the existing first two phases of Infopark.
GCDA Chairman K. Chandran Pillai expressed high hopes for the land pooling model, acknowledging past challenges in acquiring land for major development projects. He emphasized that the success of this model hinges on the willingness and trust of landowners, and he anticipates strong public cooperation given the project’s significant societal benefits.
This ambitious undertaking is designed to draw in leading global tech companies and establish global capability centers (GCCs), aiming for a staggering investment of approximately ₹25,000 crore. The project is expected to generate nearly two lakh direct employment opportunities and twice that number in indirect jobs, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
Following the signing of the MoU, the next steps involve conducting thorough feasibility studies, engaging in stakeholder consultations, performing preliminary surveys, developing a comprehensive master plan, and preparing a detailed project report. Both the GCDA and Infopark will collaboratively submit this report to the government within a year.
While the GCDA will spearhead the land pooling process, Infopark will maintain ownership of the project and cover the costs associated with land acquisition and the establishment of essential infrastructure. Mr. Kurunthil elaborated that the township is conceived as an ‘urban city brain’ – a centralized digital platform capable of coordinating all urban activities, using real-time data analysis to foresee and resolve challenges. The extensive potential of artificial intelligence will be harnessed across all sectors, including residential, commercial, retail, healthcare, education, and agriculture, creating a truly smart and integrated urban environment.