'Smart City Kochi' to dematerialize, government will look for other options: Kerala CM

Kochi (Kerala), Nov 29 (ANI): Talks between Dubai-based Tecom and the Kerala government seems to come to an end as Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has clearly clarified that if the company is failed to end the stalemate over the land issue, a similar mega project like Smart City Kochi will be in place.

The much awaited mega IT infrastructure project faces a major roadblock after the heavy debts crisis its.

Earlier, Achuthanandan declared the developers of Smart City Kochi faced financial problems, however the company's chief executive Fareed Abdulrahman claimed it, as they are still devoted to the Kochi project.

"The government has taken a strong decision on the land issue and the same has been specifically informed to them, if the company is not willing then the present state government may have to think of other options for Smart City in Kochi," he said " Kerala Government can easily establish a mega project at the same land proposed to the Smart City Kochi, he added.

"The government which is looking forward for the growth and development of IT sector in the state and we no doubt can easily develop a similar city project in the 246 acre of land proposed for setting up of Smart City," he said.

The Smart City project in Malta, which was initiated along with the Kochi project, is nearing completion.

Smart City Kochi promises around 100,000 potential employment opportunity for IT professionals once fully operational. By Juhan Samuel (ANI)