SmartCity Kochi to be fully operational by 2021: Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Under-construction IT Special Economic Zone SmartCity Kochi will be fully operational by 2021, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Tuesday said.

The apprehensions with regard to SmartCity Kochis first phase will be resolved as early as possible, he said during the Question Hour in the Assembly.

"The government will ensure that land alloted for IT is not used for other purposes. This will not be allowed and strong action would be taken against those who flout the norms," he said.

The project is being developed by Smart City (Kochi) Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, a joint venture formed to develop the project. Kerala government and TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, are the main investors in the company.

The project envisions minimum 8.8 million sq ft of built-up space, out of which at least 6.21 million sq ft will be specifically marked for IT, ITeS or allied services.

The project is expected to create over 90,000 direct jobs.