Date:20/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/20/stories/2006092022550100.htm

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Officials optimistic about Smart City

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: A delegation from Kerala began detailed discussions with officials of Dubai Internet City (DIC) on the prestigious Smart City project near Kochi.

``We are hopeful of a positive outcome in our discussions,'' Sheela Thomas, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, told reporters before heading for talks on Tuesday. Other members of the delegation include Suresh Kumar, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minster, Information Technology (IT) Secretary P.G. Tenzing, and IT Adviser to the Government Joseph C. Mathew.

Sources told The Hindu that some of the past hurdles were being addressed. For instance, both sides were converging to the view that Smart City should be developed as a standalone project.

Consequently, it should not have a bearing on the development of the Infopark, another major IT undertaking that the State was pursuing. In a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the previous Government, the Infopark would have been handed over to DIC.

The Government was also opposed to leasing land free of cost to DIC. Instead, the Kerala authorities were keen to lease out land for around Rs.80 crore. Sources pointed out that the Government was looking for signing a lease for around 25 years, but this was an issue that was still up for negotiations with DIC. Smart City was likely to be developed in an area of around 210 acres.

According to the earlier proposal, 100 acres of land would have been leased out to DIC free of cost.

The visiting delegation was also expected to reinforce the Government's position that the project should yield around 90,000 jobs in a 10-year timeframe, with the prospect of generating additional employment in ancillary fields.

During its three-day stay, the visiting delegation will make a detailed assessment of the capabilities of DIC.