Kochi: SmartCity first building to be opened soon.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced recently that the first building at SmartCity Kochi, in which the Kerala Government has a stake, will be opened before June.

After a meeting of the company's board of director, Chandy, who was a special invitee, said the work on the first building, which would have over 6 lakh sq.ft built-up space, would be over by the middle of March. The work on the second building will begin next year.

Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty said a marketing drive would be launched in major cities in the country to attract IT companies to SmartCity. The first phase of the project will generate some 6,000 direct jobs.

PH Kurien, Principal Secretary for IT, said the board of directors had approved a Rs. 250-crore budget for constructing the first building, roads and bridges, and for water and electricity supply.

Kurien noted that three companies had already signed agreements to move into the first building. The second building, with a built-up space of 6.3 lakh sq. ft, was expected to generate 6,000 jobs.

Work on a school and two IT buildings would begin next year. Gijo Joseph, SmartCity Kochi's Chief Executive Officer, said that Gems Education Group of Dubai would set up a school at SmartCity. SmartCity dubai's Chief Executive Officer Abdul Latif Al-Mulla said that the company would be able to generate about 90,000 when the project was completed.



HBL