Conflict Erupts Over RFP Issuance for Quad Project’s Phase One

TechnoparkToday(Sept,2023) : A dispute has surfaced between Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd (KSITL) and Technopark regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) issued for the first phase of the much-anticipated ‘Quad’ project in Technopark Phase IV, Pallipuram. This dispute stems from Technopark’s decision to invite RFPs for the selection of a co-developer to construct the initial IT building without prior consultation with KSITL.

KSITL officials argue that they have been entrusted by the government to oversee the construction of various buildings within IT parks throughout Kerala. This disagreement has raised questions about the management of the ambitious Rs 1,600 crore Quad project, which received in-principle approval from the state government earlier this year.

The Quad project, slated for completion by mid-2025, is an expansive integrated township spanning 30 acres. It encompasses the construction of 40 lakh sq ft of built-up space, comprising office complexes, residential and commercial facilities, hospitals, and educational institutions. Technopark’s role includes supervising the development of an 8.5 lakh sq ft IT office complex on 5.5 acres at a cost of Rs 381 crore, which will be leased to companies. Additionally, a co-developer is set to construct another IT/ITeS office complex covering 8,00,000 sq ft on 4.5 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore. Each of these buildings will be capable of accommodating 6,000 professionals. Furthermore, a residential complex spanning 14 lakh square feet will be established on 106 acres at a cost of Rs 450 crore.

IT department sources emphasize that collaborating with private developers offers a key advantage in attracting multinational companies and providing them with the necessary infrastructure for research and development centers. The department intends to engage with additional developers to ensure the state achieves its goal of creating 10 million square feet of IT space by 2026. Based on current projections, this planned space will generate significant job opportunities, including 44 lakh sq ft in Technopark (equating to 43,000 jobs), 15 lakh sq ft in Infopark (20,000 jobs), and 4 lakh sq ft in Cyberpark (4,000 jobs) over the next five years.