Infopark Road a shame: IT firms

Kochi: With the first phase of the SmartCity project scheduled for launch shortly, the road connecting Kakkanad to SmartCity and Infopark continues to be in the worst position after utilities dug it out for laying pipelines and cables.

The public works department which has issued a work order for the repair and renovation for the project for Rs 12 crore has washed its hands off it saying the final decision now vests with the state government.

More than 20,000 employees work in companies in the first and the newly-launched second phase of Infopark. It is understood that the 6 lakh-sq ft first phase of the SmartCity project will be launched by the month-end.

“It will be a big embarrassment and shame if the road remains in the same condition when guests from all over the world would converge for the launch of the Smart City project,” said CEO of a company on Infopark who did not want to be quoted.

“The condition of the road in front of Infopark, especially with poodles on the parking lot, degrades the image of Infopark as an international workstation.”

Infopark chief executive officer Hrishikesh Nair said it is imperative that the road’s condition improve at the earliest. “We are also following up on the project and requested the authorities to make at least the repair faster.” Benny Behanan, MLA, said he will take up the matter with the government so that the repair work begins soon.