Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday 21 November 2009: The Government of India has formally notified Technopark Phase 3 and Technopark Kollam as Special Economic Zones (SEZ). A press note issued by IT Kerala here said the decision was taken at a meeting of the Board of Approvals, Ministry of Commerce, in New Delhi.

Technopark Phase-I (31 acres) and Phase-II (86 acres) have already been notified by the Government of India.

Technopark Phase 3 will be developed over 92 acres of land. The construction of a signature building with 1 million sq. ft. built-up area has commenced. Technopark will allot land in Phase 3 to IT/ITES Companies and infrastructure development companies.

Support facilities like 110 kV sub-station and water supply system are ready. Work on a sewage treatment plant, canal embankment, approach road, internal roads and bridge works are in progress.

Covering an area of 40 acres at Kundara on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake, Technopark, Kollam will be developed as an IT park of global standards. The project, when completed, will have 2 million sq. ft. of built-up space and will provide employment to around 15,000 IT/ITES professionals.

“Conceptual design for a modern IT building, measuring half a million sq ft of built-up space incorporating the Green building concept has already been approved for Technopark Kollam,” said Ajay Kumar, secretary (IT), who is also the chairman of the Technopark Board. “The proposed IT building in Kollam has a futuristic design marking a clear distinction from conventional structures,” he added.

Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark, said the first phase of the Technopark Kollam building was expected to be ready for occupation by early 2011.

“This iconic structure will be located at the topmost point on the campus from where one will have an enchanting view of the Ashtamudi Lake. Kollam Technopark will also be the first IT park to have access also through water transport,” he added.