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Technopark today strongly refuted allegations of "non-cooperation" in creating the supporting infrastructure for Infosys Limited in Technocity, the Phase IV expansion of Technopark, at Thiruvananthapuram.
It said the IT Park had provided all facilities needed to begin construction activities for Infosys' new campus in the provided land.
On the request of Infosys, Technopark had handed over 49.84 acres, notified as special economic zone (SEZ) on March 27, 2013, for its new campus in Technocity, said PH Kurian, principal secretary for IT, Kerala government.
Quoting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked by Technopark and Infosys in April 2012, he said Infosys should have started the construction work within a year from the date of issuance of lease deed.
"Even when Technopark has provided all basic infrastructure facilities required for construction, we haven't received from Infosys the building plan or any explanation on the delay so far. This is a clear violation of the terms and conditions mentioned in the MoU," said KG Girish Babu, chief executive officer of Technopark.
He also said Infosys had not replied to a reminder letter sent six months back by Technopark.
Infosys had informally indicated its reluctance to set up a new campus within Technocity, but was only keen on expanding its Phase-II campus, which is under construction near Technopark, he said.
"They had promised to create as many job opportunities in Phase-II expansion as offered in the proposed Technocity campus; but had never mentioned any dissatisfaction about the infrastructure provided by us," he added.
Dismissing Infosys' allegations the allotted land comprises a temple that would hinder its construction, Babu made it clear the temple had never been under the possession of Technopark and was not included in the land offered to them.
"With the excellent relationship running between the top managements of Infosys and Technopark, we do not believe Infosys would blame us for lack of support. The allegations mentioned in the letter are bereft of facts and sound like perceptions of the person who wrote the letter; but these need not be a considered corporate view," Babu said.
Technopark has so far invested Rs 5.96 crore in the construction of roads within the proposed Technocity campus, which includes four-laning of the road stretching throughout the frontage of the plot given to Infosys.
As much as Rs 2.73 crore for power infrastructure and Rs 17.87 crore for water supply had been invested to support construction activities within the Technocity.
Further, an amount of Rs 41 crore would be invested for the 11 kV 25 MVA sub-station to meet the power requirements of buildings once they become fully functional.
"There is nothing to prevent Infosys from starting the construction work as 11 kV power supply required for the project office is already available at the site. Having spent Rs 47.54 crore for the land, does anybody think Infosys would have kept quite if lack of infrastructure was holding their construction plan," raised Babu.
Infosys is yet to initiate series of activities of campus construction, including signing of co-developer agreement (draft of which was provided by Technopark), submission of application for co-developer approval, execution of bond-cum-legal undertaking, execution of the lease agreement and submission of drawings to Technopark for approval.
So far, Technopark has managed to meet all the requirements of Infosys without any major glitch. Plans are also in place to support the future expansion of both Infosys and UST Global, according to Technopark.
