Centre gives nod for Rs 1,250crore IT park in Puducherry

PUDUCHERRY: The Union govt has given its approval to the Puducherry govt to establish a dedicated special economic zone (SEZ) for Information Technology (IT) at Rs1,250 crore. The project aims at transforming Puducherry into a top destination for technology companies and global investors. The park will be established on 21.3 acres of govt-owned land at Thattanchavady in the town limits.

A release from the Directorate of Information and Publicity said the park would not be a bunch of office buildings but would be planned as a complete mini-city. "About 70% of the area will be dedicated to 'plug-and-play' offices where companies can move in and start working immediately. The remaining 30% of the land will focus on the people working there. It will include houses for employees, a shopping complex, a medical centre, a bank, and even a fire station. This ‘Work-Live-Play’ setup ensures that employees have everything they need from healthcare to recreation right near their desks,” said the release.

The project will have a huge impact on the lives of Puducherry people. For a long time, Puducherry’s talented engineering and IT graduates had to move to cities like Chennai or Bengaluru for employment. This new IT park aims at changing the scenario by creating a world-class workspace in Puducherry. The govt aims to make sure that Puducherry youth can build successful careers without leaving their hometown.

Over the next 10 years, the SEZ is expected to create nearly 30,000 jobs. These aren't just for software engineers; the project will also generate employment for people in construction, maintenance, security, and the local service industry. From a financial perspective, the govt expects the IT park to export services worth ₹10,000 crore over the next decade. The revenue will help the govt in improving local roads, water supply, and schools.

The project can kick start quickly without the usual delays of land acquisition, as the land is already owned by the Oulgaret municipality. The new SEZ will be designed with environmentally friendly features. The master plan includes ‘green buildings’, smart waste management systems, and modern utility networks. The park focuses on IT and technology-related firms instead of heavy industries.