PANAJI: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has allocated three out of the six large plots at the upcoming Hello World Innovation & Research Park located in the Verna industrial estate.
Spanning approximately 4 lakh sqm at the end of Phase IV of the Verna Industrial Estate, this facility is anticipated to create between 20,000 to 30,000 jobs, according to Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho.
“Hello World is a prestigious project initiated by GIDC at Verna, dubbed the Innovation Hub or R&D Hub and IT Hub. Of the six large plots available, three have already been secured by a major industry,” stated Godinho. “Once the remaining plots are taken, this site is poised to generate significant employment, beyond 20,000 to 30,000 positions,” he added.
In May, GIDC sent a provisional allotment letter to Aurum Real Estate Developers Limited, a Mumbai-based firm known for its IT special economic zone and integrated township projects in Navi Mumbai.
Aurum has sought clarifications concerning the timelines for infrastructure development, including roads, power, water supply, and connectivity, along with approvals regarding built-up area obligations for the three plots. They have also inquired whether deadlines would be extended if GIDC failed to deliver the necessary infrastructure on time.
Goa’s history with dedicated IT parks is not encouraging. In 2006, the government attempted to launch the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat on 90 acres at Dona Paula, but the project has remained stagnant for 18 years. In 2015, the government laid the foundation stone for an electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) park at Tuem, which has yet to see manufacturing activity commence. Additionally, a plan for establishing an IT Park on 4.5 lakh sqm of government land at Chimbel has been in the works for several years.
Godinho expressed optimism that the Hello World Innovation & Research Park will attract white-collar jobs and encourage skilled Goans to return to the state. “We anticipate that individuals employed elsewhere will consider returning to Goa, bringing their experience with them. I believe other significant investors are observing this project. As soon as they notice that these three plots have been secured, more will follow. It could be a win-win for all,” he remarked.
