THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neopolis IT township project proposed by the Union government in the capital is expected to face delays, as the Centre plans to revise the scheme significantly by increasing its scope from 10 to nearly 100 cities nationwide. This expansion, aimed at enhancing next-generation IT infrastructure, casts uncertainty over the timeline of the Thiruvananthapuram project.
The Neopolis project received preliminary approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in December 2024 and is intended for development at Technopark Phase IV. It represents the initial phase of the ambitious Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC) project, which aims to alleviate congestion in the city and promote economic growth in surrounding areas.
Initially, Thiruvananthapuram was the sole city from Kerala included in the final shortlist after Kannur was excluded due to land availability and documentation issues. However, sources suggest that the Centre has now instructed the Capital Regional Development Programme-II (CRDP), the project consultant, to reassess Kannur’s proposal, indicating renewed consideration for the northern district.
A senior CRDP official confirmed the update, stating, “The Union government is reassessing the overall framework of the Neopolis initiative. Given the proposal to significantly expand the number of cities, all shortlisted projects, including Thiruvananthapuram, will likely undergo fresh evaluations. We have been directed to revise certain aspects, including the Kannur submission, to align them with the updated guidelines.”
The Neopolis township is envisioned as a modern, self-sustaining urban ecosystem that merges IT infrastructure with residential and commercial facilities. The plan includes high-end office spaces tailored for emerging technologies, alongside residential complexes, shopping centers, recreational areas, and hospitality establishments like five-star hotels.
Officials state that the township intends to establish Thiruvananthapuram as a center for advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, blockchain, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The model is inspired by global innovation clusters that blend workspaces with lifestyle amenities to attract talent and investment.
According to earlier project outlines, the Neopolis initiative is expected to complement the development of Technopark.
Urban planners note that integrating the township with the proposed OAGC could significantly alter the capital’s developmental landscape by alleviating pressure on the city center and fostering planned urbanization in suburban regions.
Despite the current uncertainty, officials remain hopeful that Thiruvananthapuram’s robust IT ecosystem, skilled workforce, and existing infrastructure will maintain its priority status when the revised plan is finalized.
More clarity on timelines and updated project guidelines is anticipated once the Union government officially announces the expanded Neopolis framework.
