With the Union government granting Single Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status to the entire SmartCity land, a major hurdle before the project seems to be over. Construction can start immediately as there won’t be any more change in the master plan which is almost complete.
Had the entire 246 acres earmarked for the project not got the single SEZ status, the master plan would have required changes so as to provide separate allied infrastructure for each land. Then the funds earmarked for the allied and social infrastructure, such as hospitals, restaurants, shopping mall and entertainment areas, would have been divided for each part. According to sources, the work on the master plan was done in the presumption that the project would get single SEZ status.
Industries and IT minister P K Kunhalikkutty, who is also the chairman of SmartCity, expressed hope that the project would now progress fast.
Given the fact that there would not be many changes in the master plan, it can be completed by January 31. TECOM, the promoters of the project, has agreed to appoint key personnel of the project in Kochi so that they will be able to directly monitor the progress of the work. A chief executive officer (CEO) will be appointed for the project in consultation with the director board of SmartCity. The construction of the first IT building is expected to begin within four months.
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