eSys to invest Rs 100 crore

Singapore-headquartered eSys Information Technologies has acquired a 6-acre plot at Chandigarh Technology Park and will invest Rs 100 crore.

Also, with the Centre announcing the implementation of the Information Technology Special Economic Zone Act in Chandigarh, officials say Infosys will expedite setting up shop in the region.

Confirming that eSys Information Technologies would build its worldwide back-office operations centre, Chandigarh Information Technology Director Vivek Attrai said, "The centre will be operational by the end of this year and will employ around 2,000 people."

Also under way are talks with Nasdaq-listed Internet Service Providers Pacific Internet Ltd and Mahindra British Technology, according to officials. Attrai said Infosys, being the anchor company of the park's first phase, should launch its operations in one-two months.

Till date, several companies, including OuterBay, IBM Daksha, Net Solutions and Virsa Systems, have started operations at Chandigarh Technology Park, and construction work for 10 build-to-suit sites is expected to begin soon. Wipro and Bharti are the two other companies that will start operations in the second phase of the Park, which is still to be developed.

With the Administration slated to hold a draw of lots this month to allot four more build-to-suit sites, the 1-1.5 acre sites have been oversubscribed, according to officials.

"We have received 55 applications for the four sites, from across the country," Attrai said.

On the IT boom, which is boosting the economy of the region, Attrai said, "We are looking at companies that can take the city on the international map, give jobs, and are export-oriented."

After getting investment from US firms, the administration is now looking at European companies.