Kochi: Envisioned as India's first integrated artificial intelligence (AI) township, the implementation of the Infopark Phase III project is stuck in jurisdictional and legal complications regarding its proposed land-pooling model. To ensure no further delay to the carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste project, the authorities have sought state government intervention. They are requesting amendments to existing government orders or rules to kick-start the land-pooling process.
Jurisdictional Hurdles
According to Infopark CEO Susanth Kurunthil, the primary hurdle stems from the project's location. The proposed site falls within the local panchayats of Kizhakkambalam and Kunnathunadu, entirely outside the jurisdiction of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA).
“There are significant legal and statutory complications because the site is outside GCDA’s jurisdiction. We are in serious discussions with the new government to determine whether this requires specific amendments to existing orders or modifications to the Town and Country Planning Act. Land pooling cannot be initiated until these issues are sorted out,” the official told TOI.
MoU with GCDA
Infopark and GCDA last year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the third phase development of the IT hub. While Infopark owns the project, GCDA manages the land-pooling framework, where small plots are consolidated, developed with international infrastructure, and a percentage of highly valued, developed land is returned to the original owners.
Possible Solutions
The management has briefed the government on these roadblocks, noting that even a change in the project's physical location remains on the table. The authorities also plan to pressure the government over delayed road connectivity projects servicing the IT hub, especially projects like the proposed eight-lane Greenfield corridor connecting Vyttila to Chittethukara and the Chakkaraparambu–Vennala–Chittethukara–Infopark Road.
Land Leasing Plans
Infopark has planned to lease out 20 acres out of the 45 acres previously frozen land that have been restored to Infopark, following the scrapping of the SilverLine project. “We are left with nearly 20 acres for leasing out,” Kurunthil said. The management is currently in discussions with prospective IT co-developers.
The authorities also plan to utilize the land to fix critical infrastructure deficits within the 124-acre campus. Chief among them is the shortage of parking space. Other facilities like expansive food courts are also being planned.
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