Kozhikode: The construction of the new building in the Cyberpark here would begin in four months, said Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) managing director Dr Santosh Babu. The land for the building has been identified near the existing building, he said while talking to media persons after a visit to the government Cyberpark.

The new 4 lakh sq ft building will be constructed on land measuring two and a half acres. KSITIL will take up both the design and construction of the same.

The cabinet approved the construction of this new building at Rs 184 crore. Since Rs 100 crore for this project will be given by KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board), the Detailed Project Report (DPR) needs to be approved by KIIFB. Once this is granted, construction is hoped to begin in December. The remaining funds are yet to be bought.

With two IT parks, Kozhikode has made its place in the field. The aim is to develop the district into a major IT destination. In view of this, an event and a road show will be conducted every year. Transport and tourism departments will also be roped in for this.

After the completion of this new project, the government is considering a partnership with private stakeholders and inviting more IT companies to the Cyberpark. Buildings under Public Private Partnership (PPP) are also under consideration. Dr Babu also said that 11 other places in the district would be included in this project. 

A coalition called Calicut Innovation and Technology Initiative has been formed with government institutions and various other stakeholders.