First phase of SmartCity Kochi inaugurated

Kochi: The first phase of Kerala's dream project - SmartCity Kochi, including a 6.5 lakh sq ft IT tower - was inaugurated jointly by top officials of Kerala and UAE in Kochi on Saturday.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Minister for Industries and IT and SmartCity Kochi Chairman P.K. Kunhalikutty, UAE Cabinet Affairs minister and Chairman of Dubai Holding Mohammed Al Gargawi, Union MoS Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy and others inaugurated the first phase by pressing a buzzer at the event held at Idachira, Kakkanad.

The launch of the 4.7 million sq ft Phase II also took place at the event.

SmartCity will bring the world to Kerala: Chandy 

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Kerala has opened its doors to the world with the SmartCity.

"Till now, our youngsters were going overseas to make a living. Now, the world will be coming to Kerala," Chandy said.

He said the Kerala government and the SmartCity will be committed to generating quality employment.

The chief minister said the project could have been realised in a couple of years since 2004, when it was initiated, had there not been the unnecessary delay.

Showering praises on the rulers of UAE, Chandy said Kerala and Dubai acted like a perfect team to realise the project.

"SmartCity is not just another project. It's a symbol of the centuries-old relation between Kerala and Dubai. With the opening of the SmartCity, our relation has become stronger," he said.

He also thanked all those who helped the government, including business magnate M.A. Yousufali, materialise the project despite frequent disputes and opposition from various corners.

27 IT companies as of now

As many as 27 IT companies have already been leased out 75 per cent of the leasable space in the first IT tower and many of them have already started their 'fit-out jobs'. The names of the companies are also being announced at the event.

Six investors for the second phase would also be introduced.

Speaking to media before the event, UAE minister Gargawi said the project will be completed by the year 2020.

Over 5,000 jobs for IT professionals

The project of the Kerala government, in association with the UAE, is expected to provide about five lakh of employment opportunities directly or indirectly. According to CM Chandy, SmartCity Kochi will provide over 5,000 jobs directly to IT professionals.

The companies are expected to be fully functional within the next 3 to 4 months. "Once fully operational, Phase 1 can generate a minimum of 5000 job opportunities in one shift," SmartCity Kochi vice-chairman, Jaber Bin Hafez said on Friday.

About a 1,000 companies are to operate in SmartCity Kochi and about Rs 12,000 crore of IT exports are expected.

The project is to be completed in three phases. The second phase would see the construction of IT offices and the third phase would see the development of accessory facilities.

Tallest IT tower in India in phase 2

The 4.7 million sq ft phase 2 will have seven towers in it including the tallest IT tower in India in the 1.8 million sq ft project by Sands Infrabuild, the IT division of Lulu Group.

The projects of UAE based Holiday Group, GEMS International School, Bengaluru-based Maratt Projects Pvt Ltd, Prestige Group and Kochi-based Elton Technologies, apart from SmartCity's own tower are to feature in phase 2. 

The second phase, which will generate about 60,000 jobs, would also feature non-IT buildings as well. 

Phase 2 is expected to be completed within 30 to 36 months, the vice-chairman said.

(With Agency inputs)