Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Chennai, January 21, 2008: Sri City Pvt Ltd, an enterprise promoted by Mr Ravindra Sannareddy, Chairman, Megasoft Limited, is planning a 5,000 acre multi-product SEZ in North Chennai at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore.

Sri City Special Economic Zone offers a strategic location to global companies for the establishment of manufacturing, services and trading operations in India. Envisaged as a business destination that benchmarks with the best in the world, Sri City will provide industrial and support business infrastructure, designed to raise the bar on every parameter of quality standards.

Spread over 5000 acres, this business city will offer twin benefits of an SEZ and an adjoining Domestic Tariff Area for the creation of a supplier base. These business zones will be supported by a social infrastructure zone that encompasses living quarters for employees with all support amenities.

Located on the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, just 55 kms from Chennai, the SEZ is also located close to Ennore port (45km) and Krishnapattinam port (65km).

Singapore-based Jurong Consultants are the master planners for the SEZ project. Detailed engineering will be done by the Singapore-based RSP Architects Planners and Engineers and CPG Consultant Pte Ltd. Well-demarcated zones ensure that cluster benefits are maximized in each specialist area whatever be the segment of industry . The zones planned for include - Auto Components, Logistics and Warehousing, Aerospace, Apparel & Fashion, Biotech/ Pharma, Leather Products, Light Engineering, Sports & Toys, Electronics / Hardware, IT/ITES/BPO, Renewable Energy and other non-polluting Industries.

Sri City will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate smooth operations of companies locating here. The best practices in engineering design and construction will be adopted to create quality and efficient delivery systems in conformation with international quality standards and in keeping with the stringent environmental norms of the WTO.

- A systematic network of 6-lanes/4-lanes/2-lanes internal roads connecting the entire City ensuring reduced travel time
- Regular water supply with extensive water management systems
- Reliable power supply to ensure maximization of production levels
- Extensive broadband facilites and high-speed bandwidth to stay connected
- Sturdy stormwater and Sewerage networks to make life hassle-free
- Sewerage Treatment Plant
- Efficient and professional service-oriented Operations & Maintenance systems

Sri City also envisages creation of vibrant living spaces just minutes away from the workplace. Housing of various formats - independent villas, apartments, dormitories, hostels - will cater to the various needs of the City occupants.

Schools, hospitals, domestic amenities from grocers to dry-cleaners, shopping arcades, multiplexes, resorts and hotels are to come up on the development. Jogging tracks, walking trails , waterfront leisure development & a host of recreation facilities are also planned.

The project is expected to take 3-4 years and could see a collective investment of over Rs 18,000 crore from companies locating there and the creation of 100,000 jobs.

Source: INRNews.com