SmartCity project construction work commences
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Tecom Investments Group CEO Abdullatif Almulla and Minister
for IT P.K. Kunhalikutty switching on the device to mark the ground breaking ceremony of the
pavilion of SmartCity Kochi project at Kakkanad
Construction work of the much delayed Rs 2,000 crore SmartCity project at nearby Kakkanad, which envisages to provide over 90,000 jobs, commenced today with the first phase expected to be completed in two years.
Within 24 months the project’s first phase would be ready and was expected to provide about 7,000 jobs, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said after performing the “ground breaking ceremony” of the 6,000 square feet pavilion building which will be completed within 14 weeks.
The joint venture project would be implemented with Dubai-based TECOM as the promoter.
The first stage of the construction of various other buildings will be taken after this and completed in 20 months, he said. The entire work of the project was expected to be completed in five years time, Mr. Chandy, who is the chief patron of the project, said.
Smartcity is not merely an IT project, but a major initiative that could create substantial employment and nurture Kerala’s economy to the next level of growth. This should send an import message that Kerala was an investor friendly destination, he said.
Mr. Chandy said marketing and roadshows of the project would begin immediately. The project is targeting world class firms to set up units here.
Group CEO of Tecom Investments, Abdullatif Al Mulla expressed confidence that the project will attract Foregin Direct Investments. This was a very ‘vital’ project and will bring in more talent, he said.
Mr. Mulla said Rs 2,000 crore had been set apart for the project and finance would not be a constraint.
Industries minister and Smartcity Kochi Chairman P K Kunhalikutty said they were keen that international investors to set up units here. The roadshows will start from December this year. Most probably it will start from Bangalore and would be held in all major cities, he said.
The Hindu : States / Kerala : Oommen Chandy launches SmartCity Kochi project