Kollam Technopark gets funds from NABARD

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The proposed Technopark at Kollam, which was recently notified as a special economic zone, will receive funding from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to the tune of Rs 49.53 crore, Kerala IT officials said.

They said this was the second funding of an IT infrastructure project under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) scheme in the state by NABARD, following the funding for infrastructure development of Infopark, Kochi last year.

Officials said the sanctioned amount would be used for the development work of the Kollam Technopark that is coming up in Kundara. Developmental work on the power infrastructure, land development, internal roads, drains and culverts, canal embankment, water supply and distribution network, sewage treatment plant and the IT building of 1 lakh sq ft are proposed to be undertaken with the sanctioned amount.

Kerala IT principal secretary Ajay Kumar said the facilities at Kollam Technopark would be on par with those provided at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, so that there would be a global appeal for space at the new park, which in turn will create large-scale employment creation and lead to the development of the surrounding rural economy.

Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander said the Kollam Technopark, along with the techno-lodges being established in the district at Kadakkal and Perinad would together generate employment of over 10,000, which will change the face of Kollam district.

NABARD, which primarily funds the agricultural and allied sectors and for infrastructure creation has now extended funding to the IT sector as well, with the funding of the Infopark Kochi, and Kollam Technopark projects.

The Kollam Technopark is aimed at promoting IT, ITES and other knowledge industries through an integrated industrial park. It will be the first IT park that can be accessed through water transport, and will have an exclusive boat jetty.