PANAJI: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is set to increase the permissible floor area ratio (FAR) from 150 to 300 for its proposed IT Park named ‘Hello World’ at the Verna industrial estate, pending government approval. This ambitious project spans 4 lakh sqm (98 acres) at the end of phase IV of the estate.
The GIDC has designated seven plots, each measuring 25,000 sqm, for IT companies, totalling around 3 lakh sqm. The remaining 1 lakh sqm will accommodate a business hotel, hostel, and utility services.
The decision was made during the 398th board meeting of GIDC on Thursday, where the board empowered the managing director to take the necessary steps forward. This initiative aims to enhance the project’s appeal and viability for potential developers while staying aligned with current market trends.
The approved layout plan, backed by the 37B committee, includes separate plots for staff accommodation, indicating a shift in GIDC’s strategy from a broad manufacturing focus to targeted plans for the IT sector.
GIDC officials argue that Verna’s strong infrastructure, stable industrial ecosystem, efficient connectivity, and proximity to Goa International Airport render it an ideal location for the IT industry.
Previously, during its 396th board meeting, GIDC had approved a special scheme to promote IT park development in Verna. Officials highlighted that this project seeks to drive vertical growth, create employment opportunities in the IT sector, and optimize land use.
The proposal to double the FAR from 150 to 300 aligns with the Goa Land Development and Building Construction (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, allowing GIDC to adjust FAR, setbacks, parking, and coverage with government approval. Once authorized, this FAR relaxation is expected to significantly increase the scale of ‘Hello World’, positioning it as one of Goa’s largest technology company hubs.
Goa has a challenging history of establishing and managing dedicated IT parks. In 2006, the government planned to create the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat on 90 acres at Dona Paula, which has since remained inactive for 18 years. Similarly, the foundation for an electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) park at Tuem was laid in 2015, but manufacturing activities have yet to commence. A few years later, a proposal was made to establish an IT Park at Chimbel, utilizing 4.5 lakh sqm of government land on the Kadamba plateau.
