The year that went by has been one of double delight for Infopark, considered a key driving force behind the State’s IT infrastructure development and employment generation.
Not only did it complete 10 successful years of operations but it also notched up its biggest ever year-on-year growth rate during the year.
Starting off with a moderate 1.25 lakh sq. ft a decade back, Infopark is now a sprawling campus of 45 lakh sq. ft, employing about 24,000 in over more than 200 companies.
Infopark CEO Hrishikesh Nair cited the growth rate of 53 per cent as the biggest story with regard to Infopark in the financial year ending March, 2014. “Till now, Infopark on an average used to post growth rate of 30 to 40 per cent. From the available figures, Infopark’s IT exports of Rs. 2,350 crore is more than one-third of the State’s total IT exports,” he told The Hindu .
Infopark is looking at touching the landmark figure of Rs. 3,000 crore during 2014-15 fiscal if it is to accrue the benefits of the 13-15 per cent growth rate for the Indian IT industry as predicted by Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies).
Acquisition of IT Habitat and turning it into an IT incubator and hub for small and medium enterprises was another major feat achieved during the year. “We enhanced the space available to 25,000 sq. ft and merged the 53 companies already functioning there with Infopark,” Mr. Nair said.
Constructions of Infopark’s fourth building (4 lakh sq. ft), Koratty Infopark (3.50 lakh sq. ft), Brigade Technopolis’ new building (7 lakh sq. ft), Lulu Cyber Park (13 lakh sq. ft), and the second phase of both the Brigade Technopolis and Tata Consultancy Services have all gained momentum during the year. “We have already developed 70 per cent of 101 acres in the first phase and are looking at taking job opportunities to 70,000 within a couple of years once these constructions are complete taking the built-up area to six million sq. ft,” Mr. Nair said.
Meanwhile, basic infrastructure works including on the 65 megawatt power station, four lane road and water connectivity for Infopark’s ambitious second phase spread over 167 acres were completed during the year. Once fully developed, it will offer about eight million sq. ft generating about 80,000 jobs. The second phase will be commissioned before the end of this financial year with the opening of Cognizant’s first building.
“Another major achievement during the year was to attract developers for almost the entire space up for grabs in the second phase with campuses of UST Global and Cognizant among the major ones,” Mr. Nair said. Infopark is looking at the dream prospects of providing 1.50 lakh jobs by 2020 when both its phases would be complete.
