2.6.21

Gujarat: GIDC starts ₹405cr IT hub project

After putting on hold the development of a new information technology hub at Gujarat International Fin-Tech City in Gandhinagar because of the Covid-19 outbreak last year, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation has again started the Rs 405 crore project.

On the basis of a request by Gujarat Electronic and Software Industries Association, the Gujarat government initiated the project to create infrastructure for a new IT hub in 2019. However, the pandemic struck and the project had to be put on hold. Now, after several rounds of consultations with GESIA and private sector IT companies, GIDC has started the project again. GIDC and GESIA have signed a memorandum of understanding for the project.

M Thennarasan, managing director, GIDC, said tendering and other processes to begin construction , as approved by the state government, has been initiated.

“Despite considerable presence of the IT and ITeS industries in the state, the IT sector has not reached its full potential. To provide impetus to the sector, GESIA had made representations to the government and GIDC through letters and emails on the need to develop and build a technology hub with the allied eco-system in Gandhinagar,” the official said.

He added that under the IT policy, various incentives and benefits are given to IT Parks and GIFT City was strategically selected as it being developed as a part of industry promotion.

He further said, “Adhering to construction norms of GIFT City, GIDC has designed a ground floor plus 28-floor building to bring IT-related companies under one roof with shared infrastructure. It is also planned to create co-working spaces.”

The official said GIFT City had allotted 6 lakh square feet of builtup area at the rate of Rs 850 per square foot. “Moreover, GESIA has submitted an EOI (expression of interest) of about 38 companies and proposed investment was worked out to be approximately Rs 405 crore with employment to over 9,000 persons. The industry is expected to invest Rs 1,000 crore in the new IT hub,” Thennarasan said.

No comments: