GCDA Begins Preliminary Work on Infopark Kochi Phase 3

Kochi: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is set to commence preliminary formalities for the third-phase expansion of Info-park Kochi through the land pooling model. A dedicated team of officials is expected to be deployed in the coming days to initiate land identification and engagement with stakeholders.

This initiative is the first instance in the State where a local body has been designated as an “appropriate authority” under the Kerala Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act for implementing a large-scale development project via land pooling.

A Government Order dated October 18, 2024, officially empowered GCDA under Section 56 of the amended Act, following the notification of land pooling rules through an extraordinary gazette issued on March 16, 2024. The rules provide a framework for participatory land assembly, where landowners become partners in development rather than subjects of compulsory acquisition.

As per the Act, once 75% of landowners in a proposed land pooling area provide consent, the authority can proceed to notify and implement the scheme. Dissenting landowners, however, will also be mandatorily included, and final decisions can be taken with government approval, irrespective of unanimous consent.

According to sources in the GCDA, around 1,500 acres of land — primarily located to the east of the existing Infopark campus — are being surveyed, of which approximately 300 acres will be shortlisted for pooling based on parameters such as topography, accessibility, and land use classification.

Of this, 100 acres are expected to be directly allotted to Infopark Kochi, while the remaining 200 acres will be developed with core infrastructure such as roads, drainage, utilities, and green spaces. After value enhancement, a portion of the developed land will be returned to original landowners — the fundamental principle of the land pooling model.

The area under consideration spans parts of Thrikkakara, Kunnathunad, and Kizhakkambalam — regions that fall within or close to GCDA’s jurisdiction.

Officials confirmed that over 100 IT companies have expressed interest in setting up operations, but are currently on the waiting list due to space constraints in the Phase II campus, which has reached full occupancy.

The Phase III proposal envisages the creation of a futuristic, environmentally sustainable IT township with carbon-neutral infrastructure and integrated transport systems. Preliminary estimates suggest the project could generate investments exceeding Rs. 10,000 crore and create over 1 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.

As the State continues to attract global IT investments, timely execution of the Phase III expansion will be crucial in sustaining Kerala’s position as a preferred destination for digital innovation and employment generation.