 "DLF aims to start Bhubaneswar project from Dec")
The listed developer has commissioned the first tower of the project that would offer half a million sq ft office space to IT and ITes (IT enabled services) companies.
"We are prepared to launch commercial operations of our Bhubaneswar project from December. The company is awaiting receipt of occupancy certificate. More than 90% of the office space has been booked in the first tower", said a DLF source.
Once the first tower is fully occupied, nearly 5000 people would be engaged, he said, DLF has also submitted the design for the second tower of the project. Upon completion, the second tower would also offer 0.5 million sq ft office space.
Mid sized IT firms like Mindfire Solutions and Luminous Infoways have tied up with DLF for office space in the Infopark project.
DLF announced its foray into Odisha in 2009, months ahead of the general elections.
The project, however, was marred by delay as lack of demand in IT space forced DLF to hold back construction work.
DLF also got it into a face off with the state owned land acquisition agency- Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) over keeping idle a substantial chunk of land.
Idco had alloted 54 acres of land to DLF at a prime location on the city's outskirts.
Idco in May this year, had warned of stringent action against DLF for keeping a large chunk of land idle meant for developing its Rs 1000-crore Infopark project. Of the 54 acres allotted to DLF for the project, only seven acres have been utilised till date.
But DLF shot back, terming the Idco missive 'wrongful and illegal'.
"We state that Section 34 of Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (OIIDC) Act 1981 is not applicable to the present case and accordingly, invocation of the said provision by you is illegal and without jurisdiction", DLF stated in its reply to Idco's notice.
Stating the project requires phased development, DLF pointed out that first high rise 12-storied building with over 550,000 sq ft office space is virtually complete. It had entered into agreement for nearly 300 units with reputed companies and handing over of space is under commencement.
The private developer has flayed Idco for its failure in the latter's commitment to facilitate all approvals which has led to delayed construction.
It also blamed the state run agency for not providing marketing support as provided in the lease cum development agreement signed between Idco and DLF.
The DLF Infopark project which to be developed in three phases, was to consist of an IT block, a luxury hotel, a retail chain, service apartments and recreational facilities with a total built-up space of about 5.5 million sq ft.
The Infopark project promised to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for over 40,000 people in sectors like IT and ITes (IT enabled services), retail and hospitality.
