State invites JV partners for Mysore, M'lore IT parks

Chanting the ‘take IT local’ mantra as part of its inclusive IT initiative to  bring Tier-II & Tier-III cities into IT fold, the State government is leaving no stone unturned to achieve this ubiquitous mission.

Close on the heels of inviting proposals to develop IT park in Shimoga, it has now called for joint venture (JV) partners for setting up IT parks in Mysore and Mangalore on a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Further, what has emboldened the State to take speedy strides in this direction, is equally sterling performance of Tier II cities like Mysore, Mangalore, Manipal and Hubli contributing to State’s IT exports growth.

These four cities have accounted for nearly Rs 2,423 crore of State’s total IT exports of Rs 74,929 crore reported this fiscal, registering growth of 45 per cent. Mysore contributed Rs 1,374 crore registering 36 per cent growth as against Rs 1,006 crore in previous fiscal, coming from 56 units, the twin cities of Mangalore & Manipal together accounted for Rs 1,025 crore registering 59 per cent growth against Rs 644 crore in previous fiscal, coming from 29 units.

ITeS & hardware firms

Official sources told Deccan Herald that IT parks at Mysore and Mangalore will be developedat a capex of Rs 15 crore each with 1 lakh sq ft of five acre plots being developed in first phase. These will developed as multi-storied twin blocks with 10,000 sq ft modules each and let for occupancy by prospective companies operating in IT, ITeS and hardware space, they said. Sources said similar IT parks are being explored at Gulbarga where State has 75,000 sq ft plot provided by Karnataka Housing Board and Belgaum where Keonics posses 4.5 acre of plot. Likewise, Davengere too is being explored as potential city for an IT park, they added.

While Mysore IT park is expected to come up KIADB Hebbal Industrial Area, near to Infosys Campus, Mangalore IT Park is proposed next to STPI building opposite to A J Hospital campus.

Keonics, as nodel promoting agency, holding prime land in these towns, sources said, will be selecting suitable bidder with a strategic fit to develop these IT parks, who shall design, finance, build, market, operate and transport the assets created at the end of lease term to it (Keonics).