The first phase of SmartCity Kochi project spread over 1.5 million sq.ft in 50 acres will be completed within 18 months from the launch of construction in June.
Addressing reporters at the end of a kickoff meeting held at the project site at Edachira here on Friday, SmartCity (India) managing director Baju George said the first phase was likely to generate job opportunities of 15,000-20,000.
Work on the bridge connecting the two plots separated by a water body will also be launched in June.
The meeting set date-wise target for the completion of the project. Besides, review meetings chaired by the managing director will also be held every fortnightly to ensure that the deadlines are complied with.
The next meeting of the board of directors will be held in Dubai on April 11. Prior to the meeting, a reasonable completion of the master plan is expected. The master plan will be completed by May 1. The meeting will be attended by Chief Minister, Information and Technology Minister, and Principal IT Secretary.
IT building will account for nine lakh sq.ft of the total built-up area of the total 1.5 million sq.ft in the first phase while employment amenities in the non-processing zone will make up the rest. The infrastructure development on the 50 acres will be launched soon.
The project will be implemented in a phased manner and the entire project is likely to be completed within five-and-a-half-years.
Fresh application for environment clearance will be submitted on April 15 and the clearance is expected within 45 days as assured by the State government at a workshop held in January.
Sankey Prasad, chairman and managing director of Synergy Property Development Services Private Limited, which has been appointed as the project management consultant, said design for the first building had been invited from international design consultants. Responses to the invitation are likely by April 5 and they will be placed before the board meeting for approval.
Of the total 246 acres of the project, 14 acres were yet to be notified as Special Economic Zone
