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Mangaluru’s long-awaited IT park project still pending despite growing demand

Despite years of advocacy, the much-anticipated IT park project in Mangaluru remains unrealized, with the initiative currently undergoing evaluation for its detailed project report (DPR). Previous proposals were deemed impractical and required adjustments for feasibility. Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) had received government approval for a 3.2-acre IT park development at Derebail through a public-private partnership (PPP).

The project has finalized its Request for Proposal (RFP), with a suggestion to extend the lease duration from 30 years to 60 years. The development plan allocates 40% of the area for IT parks and export-oriented units (EOUs), while the remaining space is designated for commercial, residential, and infrastructure purposes. The estimated cost for the project is Rs 30 crore. Despite several public declarations about its progress, there has been no significant advancement thus far.

Rohith Bhat, a founding member of Silicon Beach Program and founder of companies such as Wrkwrk, 99Games, and Robosoft, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. “The government has been promising the start of this project for years, but nothing substantial has been done,” Bhat said. However, he pointed out that private companies in the coastal region have been working to develop the area as an IT hub. He also emphasized the need for better road connectivity for the proposed park, which could accommodate 5,000 people.

Vinod AR Pinto, president of CREDAI Mangaluru, confirmed that the IT park is currently in the DPR stage, open for consultancies. The proposal was revised after the initial plan was found unfeasible, with the lease duration now extended to 60 years. “The progress has been slow, but we expect it to pick up soon,” Pinto added.

Mangaluru already hosts over 250 IT companies employing more than 18,000 professionals. In 2024, 20 new companies were added, with further growth expected. According to local stakeholders, several IT giants have shown interest in setting up offices in the region, driven by its growing IT-friendly infrastructure.

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