The Kerala Cabinet has sanctioned the allocation of 105.26 acres of land in Puthussery village, Palakkad, for the development of an Industrial Smart City. This initiative, part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, is anticipated to significantly boost the region’s industrial and economic landscape.
The land will be transferred to the Kerala Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (KICDC), the designated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for this project. This allocation represents Kerala’s contribution to a joint venture with the Central Government to develop this transformative industrial hub.
Key Features of the Smart City
Spanning 1,710 acres with an estimated project cost of ₹3,806 crore, the Smart City is a joint Central-State initiative aimed at fostering industrial growth. The project is expected to attract investments of ₹8,729 crore and create approximately 50,000 employment opportunities.
A strategic location near the Kochi-Salem National Highway ensures seamless connectivity to major cities and ports, making it an ideal destination for industrial and commercial activities.
Progress Update
A Central delegation conducted a site visit in October and engaged in discussions with State officials and KICDC representatives to expedite project implementation. Industries Minister P. Rajeev announced that the ongoing land acquisition process is likely to be completed within a month. The State government will provide the land, while the Union government will oversee infrastructure development.
Sector-Specific Allocations
The Smart City will host a variety of industrial sectors, including medicinal chemicals, botanical products, non-metallic mineral products, rubber and plastic products, high-tech industries, and machinery manufacturing. The master plan, along with environmental clearances and the Detailed Project Report (DPR), has been approved, with tender processes set to commence soon.
Puthussery Central
- Industrial Use: 672.7 acres (59.16%), with 420 acres allocated for pharmaceuticals, 96.5 acres for high-tech industries, 42.3 acres for non-metallic minerals, 54.3 acres for textiles, and 59.6 acres for recycling.
- Infrastructure: 134.4 acres for roads, 64.76 acres for residential purposes, 27 acres for essential services, and 12.48 acres for commercial use.
Puthussery West
- Industrial Use: 130.19 acres (54.25%), including 64.46 acres for food and beverages, 52.94 acres for fabricated metal products, and 12.79 acres for recycling.
- Infrastructure: 34.39 acres reserved for roads.
Kannambra
- Industrial Use: 169.67 acres (54.21%), with allocations of 107.34 acres for food and beverages, 20.1 acres for non-metallic minerals, 30.67 acres for rubber and plastics, and 11.56 acres for recycling.
- Infrastructure: 40.38 acres for roads, along with smaller portions for residential, commercial, and essential services.
Transformational Impact
This Smart City project is poised to become a catalyst for Kerala’s industrial growth. By accommodating diverse industries and providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, it is set to position Palakkad as a prominent hub for innovation, manufacturing, and employment generation, fostering long-term economic growth in the region.
