MANGALURU: Despite years of continuous advocacy and requests, the proposed dedicated IT park project in Mangaluru remains unrealized. The initiative is currently undergoing a detailed project report evaluation, as previous proposals were deemed impractical and required modifications for implementation.
Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) obtained govt approval for developing an IT park spanning over 3.2 acres at Derebail through a public-private partnership (PPP). The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the IT park has been finalised, accompanied by a suggestion to double the lease duration from 30 years to 60 years.
The development plan allocates 40% of the space for IT parks EoU, while the remaining is designated for commercial, residential, and fundamental infrastructure. The current estimated cost for development is Rs 30 crore.
Despite numerous declarations regarding the project’s execution through public and private collaborations, no concrete progress was achieved thus far.
Rohith Bhat, Silicon Beach Program founding member and founder of Wrkwrk, 99Games, and Robosoft, told TOI that the govt has been saying it will start the project for many years, but nothing concrete has taken place. “However, private companies in the coastal districts have been doing their part to make this region grow as an IT capital. Therefore, not having an IT park is seen as a problem,” said Bhat, adding that the proposed IT park project can accommodate 5,000 people and needs improved road connectivity, which should be considered, if the govt goes ahead with its plan.
When contacted, CREDAI Mangaluru chapter president Vinod AR Pinto said currently, the IT park is in the DPR stage and open for consultancies.
The proposal was revised recently as the earlier one was not feasible, and the lease duration was increased to 60 years from 30 years. “The progress is at a snail’s pace, and we expect it to speed up in the coming days,” he said.
According to stakeholders and promoters of IT companies in the region, there are already 250 companies in the undivided Dakshina Kannada employing more than 18,000 professionals. In 2024, 20 companies were added, and this calendar year, it is expected to grow in more numbers. “Already, we have queries from IT giants to set up their big offices in Mangaluru. The IT-friendly infrastructure is also helping them to consider this region,” said a stakeholder.
