Goa set to have IT habitat
30 September 1999 23:49 IST Goa is all set to float global tenders for the IT habitat, its most prestigious project worth Rs 122 crore.
"It is my dream come true, which would create silicon valley environment in Goa", says chief minister Luizinho Faleiro, while announcing that the ball has started rolling.
Forming a separate department for Information Technology during his brief tenure in February, Faleiro had chalked out a detailed IT plan for the tourist state. Realising its potential, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) J F R Jacob had followed it up during the President's rule.
The NASSOCOM has already identified 70 acres of land for the project near Goa University on Bambolim plateau, adjacent to Dona Paula. However, only 45 acres of it would be utilised for the habitat.
The habitat, which would be built and managed through the joint venture, would have 26 per cent stakes from the Goa government and rest of the 74 per cent for the internationally renowned private firm coming forward.
The joint venture partner is expected to prepare a detailed feasibility with bankable report as well as architectural design and layout of the habitat. It would be also responsible to bring in equity participation and organise other financial resources as well as marketing, says Faleiro.
The cost estimates are projected at Rs 122.30 crore, from land to earth station and networking including construction and providing other infrastructure. The actual habitat building however would be covering only 20 acres of the land while almost 22.5 acres would be meant for the green area and roads.
The rest of the 25 acres of land would be retained by the Electronic Corporation of Goa Ltd, which would be holding equity on behalf of the state, to develop plots in 14 acres and have a smart school to train the Goan software professionals in five acres of land.
The ECGL's project worth Rs 11.30 crore is estimated to earn by selling the plots at the rate of Rs 80 lakh per acre while also getting annual income by charging for the maintenance at the rate of Rs 100 per sq. mt.
The habitat, on the other hand, would sell its built-up space of 50,000 sq. mts in two categories, earning around Rs 145 crore. The 'plug N play' space of 10,000 sq. mts would be sold for Rs 45,000 per sq. mt whereas the Deluxe module of 40,000 sq. mts would be charged at Rs 25,000 per sq. mt.
The NASSOCOM also estimates around Rs 14.20 crore annual income from the habitat, inclusive of rent for the built-up space, revenue from F & B and maintenance charges.
The habitat, on the lines of what is presently available in Delhi and Bangalore, would also provide the latest data communication and networking facilities as well as recreation facilities like health club, gymnasium etc.
