MEGAPROJECT: Technocity Trivandrum | 20 Mn Sq Ft SEZ

[sudheeshnairs]

Finance Dept nod for land acquisition for Techno City

Saturday November 5 2005 11:24 IST

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The chances of the state getting a world-class knowledge township have brightened with the Finance Department finally clearing the proposal for the acquisition of 500 acres of land near the Technopark here for setting up a Rs 1500-crore Techno City.

The Techno City project envisages the development of 500 acres of land near Pallippuram near Technopark into a self-sufficient township catering to the needs of techies working in IT-related companies in the Techno City.

The major reason for the Finance Department’s opposition to the land acquisition for the project was that the average value of land fixed by Technopark in its proposal was unrealistic and may invite legal problems and financial liability to the government.

The average value of land for a cent was fixed at Rs 15,000 in the proposal. Sources said that unlike the controversial Smart City project, the Techno City project is being conceived as a public-private participation venture.

A global tender will be floated soon to selected potential investors who will help the Technopark to make the Techno City project a reality.

WHAT THE TECHNO CITY MEANS

** A self-sufficient township where techies can fulfill their professional and individual needs such as the following.

** IT and IT-enabled companies.

** Housing facilities.

** Shopping malls.

** Recreation centres.

** Educational institutions.

** Banking facilities.

** Entertainment facilities.

** Hotels and restaurants.

[Ajaypp]

Great news Sudheesh! Hope GoK doesn't slacken the pace of the project in the future. Technocity will reinforce Trivandrum's status as the IT hub of the state, and take it to ever greater heights. What is even more encouraging is that the project is being undertaken in a transparent manner. No attempt to hoodwink the people, as is being attempted elsewhere! Hope to have more news soon. Stay tuned!

[Ajaypp]

The Hindu, Nov 6 - 2005

V.J. Jayakumar, CEO of Technopark, said a Technocity is being planned in Thiruvananthapuram. It is envisaged to be developed in an area of 500 acres with private partnership. To be located about 5 km from the present Technopark, the Technocity will have IT park, Biotech Park, hospitals, schools and residential complexes. A Centre for Nanotechnology may also be part of the project. He said that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for setting up a National Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Enterprise at the Technopark. There were also plans to set up IT parks in Thrissur, Kottayam and other district at a later stage, he said.

The investment climate has improved with the good word on Kerala work culture spreading across the country and beyond. In fact, employees working in IT companies are keen on completing the assigned job, working well beyond office hours, he said.

[Sumeshks]

Hi everybody,

I have read throught the various articles all of u have posted.
But all forget one major factor that may topple all these hopes.
The state elections are due in a few months.
I really doubt whatever the GoK is doing now is
just with view of the votes of the techies .
They had done nothing much for past 4 years
( except the IT.Kerala of 2002)& now are rushing up everything.

Another major factor is whether the Left Parties will go forward with the current pace , in case they come to power after the elections.
We all know , UDF & LDF are given alternate chances in power,
as we can see in history.
We all saw & heard the questions the Left Parties raised with respect to Smart City in Kochi.
I really doubt if not a similar approach may be taken here too.
After Elections , if they come to Power, sure they will start enquiries
for checking if corruption occured in the technopark & smart City projects.....

So , I think we should keep this point in mind before jumping into all hopes & hypes regarding this prestigious project.....
Remember, our politicians ensured Technopark took 12 years to be brought to
the status it has now.......

Urs friendly,

Sumesh

[sudheeshnairs]

Hi Sumesh,

I think 'Technocity' may not have much road blocks..Hence it is being done on a more transparent manner, in the sense, Govt would be moving for a Global and open tender for selecting the private partner. Just see that it is being billed as a 'public private partnership' (PPP).

Today also I had a meeting with a Technopark top brass. The approval from the Finance Ministry has been obtained and now it is to be put before the State Cabinet.

As you know Technopark is now full, including the 'Thejaswini' which is only in the initial concrete pourring stages. The 100 acres acquisition as the Technopark III phase would be complete and it is sought by companies like Rahejas and L&T for joint venture developments. So any further development is possible only if you expand further...With this aim 'Technocity' is being mooted.

There is indeed availability of land near Pallipuram, some with CRPF base and some near Power Grid. So not much problem in acquisition also. As per the meeting I had with the authorities, they feel that once the cabinet approves this and includes in the list of fast track projects, land acquisition could be complete in 7-8 months.

The main issue with Smart city was the handing over of Infopark to DIC. Also other several other clauses. Luckily there is no such issues here..

Btw, I do not know whether you are aware of the fact that Technopark was started by the LDF Govt. Also they are reiterating the fact that they are comitted for the development of Trivandrum. It is baseless to assume that they are against Technocity..

Foot note: The world is for those who are optimists and rational.......

[Sumeshks]

I have read the reply.
I too agree with all the facts mentioned by 'sudheeshnairs' .
Still , I really dont trust the politicians in their sincerety ......
Today , LDF shouts slogans of opposition, 2mrw UDF shall.....
Let's just hope that all our expectations are not belied later....
And that whoever rules , that the project is not effected...
Hope Technocity will become a reality soon...

[Ajaypp]

Sumesh...we also have to understand that the people have become more aware of developmental issues too. Whereas earlier elections used to be fought on ideology and political dogma, this time the corporation elections in Trivandrum was fought on a developmental agenda as well, resulting in a thrashing of the UDF, which has long neglected the city. Look how much they have woken up, announcing projects left, right and centre. I hope the LDF does not forget the lesson after the Parliament and Assembly polls...guess they won't!

[Ajaypp]

IT exports from Technopark to cross Rs. 600 cr.

P. Venugopal

More land to be acquired for expanding operations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IT exports from Technopark in Trivandrum are expected to cross Rs. 600 crores this year, according to Information Technology secretary P. H. Kurien. "We are in the midst of a virtual boom in IT activity," he told The Hindu "All the companies in Technopark have grown and are growing. And new companies have started coming here in a big way."

He said the 86 companies functioning in Technopark currently employ close to 10,000 professionals. The trend suggests that the number could double in another two or three years.

Availability of land is the only constraint at the moment. An extent of 242 acres of land acquired and developed in the first phase of Technopark's development has been fully utilised. The total built-up area occupied by IT companies at Technopark is 21,70,000 sq. ft. The acquisition of 100 acres more will be completed in a couple of months. This land too has been fully booked, Mr. Kurien said.

He said the area surrounding Technopark would soon turn into an "IT corridor." Earlier, there used to be local resistance to land acquisition programmes. However, the local residents are now coming forward with offers of land. He said IT majors have started recognising Trivandrum as one of the best destinations in the country. Blue chip companies such as Infosys, TCS, Ernst & Young, Allianz Cornhill, Link Air, Mckinsey and Co., Tata Elxsi, Alamy Images, RM ESI and Sherston ESI now have a presence in Trivandrum.

Companies such as US Software, IBS, SunTec, NeST, IVL, Ushus Technologies, Softex, Toonz Animation, Iridium and M2 Software have grown several fold over the last four or five years. Mr. Kurien said the next phase of IT development in Trivandrum would involve the acquisition of 500 acres of land for a `Technocity.' The department has a long list of inquiries from individual companies and also developers who want to invest in IT infrastructure in Trivandrum.

[Ajaypp]

Mr P.H. Kurian, Secretary-Information Technology, Government of Kerala, said the Kerala IT policy needs to be revised next year. The Kerala State IT Mission has commenced work on drafting a revised IT policy, he added.

Acquisition of land for the development of the proposed `Techno City' in the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram is on, he said. The acquisition process is likely to be completed in about three months, he added. Similarly, land required for the second phase of the expansion of the Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram is currently being developed, while land for the third phase of Technopark's expansion is being acquired, Mr Kurian explained. The second and third phase of the Technopark campus will have the status of a special economic zone, he added.

The Hindu Business Line, Nov 26

[karunakaranashok]

Recently read in the newspapers that people of Attipra village are sore about the way the land development works are going on in connection with techno park expansion. Hope that the authorities concerned will take necessary steps to convince the people that such development will not damage the ecology of their neighbourhood beyond repair. In our enthusiasm for development, let us not forget the common man

I am not sure if such dissenting voices are the result of vested interests who have their own scores to settle. May be some one could throw some light on the issue.

K.Ashok

[Ajaypp]

Hi Ashok - welcome to SSC, first of all! I had read the report too. It seems the concern is about filling in of paddy fields, removal of earth from hillsides and the dust generated by construction operations. Indeed these are major concerns, to be taken very seriously. However, like you said, there are also vested interests at work in this issue.

Firstly, the expansion of Technopark - Phase II and III - is not on areas under cultivation. The areas being reclaimed has been lying fallow for a long time. The issue that reclaimation will upset the hydrological balance should be met to a great extent by the design of the campuses. Infosys, for example, will be using extensive rainwater harvesting in their 50 acre campus. In fact, a large water body will be created using rainwater.....far from creating flooding. The small channel running through the area will be landscaped and preserved.

The issue of soil erosion is quite real. But, it is extremely unfair to blame the Technopark expansion for the problem. It is upto the State Govt. to take steps to check this issue everywhere. One can hope that they are more circumspect in giving contracts henceforth.

As to the question of vested interests, I know that there quite a few playing around especially at the time Phase II acquisition was progressing. Some of them wanted to retain the land to take advantage of the impending real estate boom in the area. Others, including one of the leaders of the agitation then, wanted to grind a few political axes. Now that the local body and parliamentary elections have given comprehensive results, these same rusty axes may once more be out of the cupboard.

What everyone should remember is that the future of Trivandrum is now heavily dependent on the IT/ITES industry and any hassles with that will set us back a long way. Hope the netas realize that. Anyways, Phase II is already underway and Phase III has almost completely been acquired. I am sure that Technopark can steer clear of further trouble. Technocity is located in a very sparsely populated area, hopefully there will be less trouble there!

[Ajaypp]

The Kerala CM has asked for swift Central clearance and assistance for the Technocity project in Trivandrum in a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The CM had met him to submit the 2006-07 Annual Plan for Kerala, which includes major projects like Technocity and the Vizhinjam Deepwater Port.

[Ajaypp]

In a discussion with Technopark management, I came to know that the Raheja Group is also very keen to participate in the Technocity project. They have also expressed readiness to develop as much as 2.5 million sft as part of Technopark Phase III.

And...HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!

[sudheeshnairs]

The news is from online malayalam edition of Malayala Manorama...

http://www.manoramaonline.com/servle...uvananthapuram

Salient points:

* Now it is 700 acres..to be acquired at Pallipuram.
* The Govt of Kerala has issued notification
* Population is sparse in the areas that are being acquired.
* 100 acres acquisition for Technopark Phase III would be complete by January 2006.
* Technopark Phase III also will be a SEZ along with the 96 acres already acquired for Infosys & US Technologies (Technopark Phase II).

[Ajaypp]

Great news...so they are expanding the area from 500 to 700 acres. It will be one of India's largest IT parks by area. Add Techno Park to it and we have a whopping 1,000 acres!

[Ajaypp]

Land acquisition of the 700 acres destined for the Technocity Project at Pallippuram, 3 Kms from Technopark, will commence on January 19th, the District Collector announced.

Source: The Deepika; Courtsey: Godman

Awesome news!

[Ajaypp]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Friday said it would go ahead with the proposed Techno City IT park project at Pallipuram, near Thiruvananthapuram, but allayed fears of the local residents about large-scale eviction.

Talking to reporters after a special cabinet meeting today, Chief Minister Oomen Chandy said the government wanted to proceed with the project, but at the same time allay apprehensions of the locals about acquisition of land for the purpose. On the protest by people during land acquisition process yesterday, he said people were wrongly informed that more than 4,000 families would have to be evicted. As per information available to the government, only 40 families would lose their property. The government
would take all steps to safeguard the interest of those families, whose lands were taken up for the project, he added.

Final agreement for development of Vizhinjam Harbour as an international port terminal would be signed after getting necessary clearance from the Centre. The Centre's approval was needed as foreign companies were involved in the project implementation, he added. It has decided, in principle, to award the contract for the project to a consortium of two chinese companies and an Indian one.

The Economic Times

[Ajaypp]

- Plans for Technocity finalised
- Technocity concept to be transferred to other cities too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE State Government plans to develop Kottayam, Thrissur, Kannur and Kozhikode as satellite information technology destinations to complement the State's main IT hubs, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.

Mr Purushothaman said the Government would play the role of a facilitator in developing the new IT destinations and urged private companies to make the State a key hub for IT business in the country.

The Finance Minister also stated that plans had been finalised for setting up a `Technocity' near Thiruvananthapuram. The Technocity would come up on a 500 acre plot and will have all facilities to house IT and BPO companies.

[praanthan_chaannaan]

I am glad that they are doing something for the northern districts, particularly Kannur. The youth over there, in my opinion, are the most neglected and also the most un-demanding (even compared to Tvpm and that is saying something). From the long interactions I had with them, they seem to have been twisted by all political parties to spout the party viewpoint. I dearly wish they are more vocal in demanding development from their leaders, rather than going silently behind them for a 'collectorate march' or a coffin/martyr rally.

Of course, exceptions are there, as always and I happen to know some really good thinkers and innovators from Kannur. Always a delight to visit Kannur to just argue with them. Love the place, the people, theyyams and vadakkan style kalaripayattu!!

I am glad Tvpm welcomed the likes of MV Raghavan (and now Panniyan). For they have proven(arguably, I hasten to add) to be good for Tvpm. Though we have mistakenly welcomed one KKarunakaran of Kannur as our MP too !!

So here is for a techno-boost to Kannur!!

I say, better bang each other on the head with algorithms than iron-rods.......

Originally Posted by Ajaypp

- Plans for Technocity finalised
- Technocity concept to be transferred to other cities too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Ajaypp]

- Well said, PC.