Infopark Kochi, which is on a growth trajectory, is expected to create more than five times the number of existing jobs in the next seven years.
The park, which was set up in 2004, now houses 104 IT and related companies in IT complexes spread over 34 lakh sq.ft. “The job opportunities offered by the park will go up from the existing 15,000 to more than 80,000 by 2018,” Infopark Kochi chief executive officer Gigo Joseph said.
Infopark has registered almost a four-fold growth in software exports during the last five years. The increase in returns through exports from Rs.247.05 crore in 2007-08 fiscal to Rs.900 crore during the last fiscal stands testimony to this growth. Also, the total built-up space offered by IT buildings leapfrogged from 5.30 lakh sq.ft to 34 lakh sq.ft, noted Mr. Joseph.
The first phase of Infopark in 82 acres and 32 acres in the upcoming second phase had received Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status. SEZ notification for 67 acres in the second phase is expected soon. The Cherthala Infopark, set up under the hub and spoke model development of Infopark Kochi, already had its 60 acres declared as SEZ.
Two-third of the existing built-up space of Infopark was developed with support from co-developers. In the next three years, the built-up space will be enhanced to 50 lakh sq.ft, which would create 40,000 jobs.
Out of the 160 acres identified for the second phase development of Infopark in Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu villages, land acquisition formalities of 125 acres had been already been completed. Once the second phase development projects are completed in the next seven years at an estimated cost of Rs.2,500 crore, the total space offered by Infopark will go up to 80 lakh sq.ft. This will include an IT complex of 12 lakh sq.ft to be set up with the financial assistance to the tune of Rs.260 crore during the 12th five year plan. Apart from investments worth Rs.450 crore by the State government, developers are expected to chip in with Rs.2,050 crore. The development projects have been planned in a manner that will benefit small and medium IT companies as well.
At Cherthala Infopark, which was commissioned in January this year, 1,000 jobs were created in the first phase. Apart from land value, an investment to the tune of Rs.75 crore was made there. It has a building complex with a built-up space of 2.40 lakh sq.ft. In the Koratty Infopark, another spoke of Infopark Kochi, 50,000 sq.ft had been readied with 400 persons being employed with 24 companies. “Steps for securing SEZ status for the Koratty park will be taken after acquiring another 15 acres,” Mr. Joseph said.
