Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Tiruchi, December 8, 2007: Decks have been cleared for the formal notification of Navalpattu IT Park as a Special Economic Zone following an inspection of the 147-acre site by Union Commerce Ministry Development Commissioner of B. Vijayan recently.

The inspection was to rule out the presence of residential areas, places of worship, public thoroughfares or agricultural land in the site. Following the notification that would pave way for appointment of Customs officials for the IT Park, the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) would undertake authorised operation.

The ELCOT, which has prepared the park layout, has placed it before its Board for approval. Road and infrastructure works would be undertaken in a 50-acre expanse on the park premises, ELCOT Managing Director C. Umashankar said.

Works in the 50-acre area as well as construction of the one million square feet built-up space would be undertaken through a Special Purpose Vehicle Joint Venture that the ELCOT would have with a private partner.

Cognizant Technology Solutions and Sutherlands Global Services have been allotted 10 acres each in the IT Park. Sutherlands has confirmed acceptance. Several smaller companies have also evinced interest in starting their operations. Allotment of land would be made for these export-oriented companies through ‘open expression of interest’, said Mr. Umashankar, predicting that the actual work could commence after these procedures during February or March, 2008.

Among the proposed IT Parks in tier-II cities in Tamil Nadu, the one in Tiruchi is closest to the airport. The Tiruchi International Airport is less than 10 kilometres away from the IT Park site. Another advantage is the presence of a large residential locality developed by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board nearby. The TNHB had constructed a 100-feet link road connecting Navalpattu to the Tiruchi-Pudukkottai Highway long back.

Source: The Hindu