Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at attracting prominent Information Technology (IT) firms and bolstering the state’s digital infrastructure, the Odisha Government plans to establish a new, state-of-the-art Technology Business Tower in Bhubaneswar.
According to official sources, the ambitious project will be set up at the current location of the Odisha Computer Application Center (OCAC) Complex. The existing structure will be demolished to pave the way for the modern Technology Business Tower, which is envisioned to have approximately 300,000 square feet of built-up space. This space will accommodate the OCAC, along with other national and international IT firms and institutions.
Officials have stated that the upcoming tower will be equipped with all modern, world-class amenities essential for the smooth functioning of IT and IT-enabled Services (ITES) companies. This development addresses the growing concern over the paucity of space in existing IT parks and towers within the state capital, which has reportedly hindered several IT/ITES and electronics firms from establishing their operations in Odisha.
Expanding its focus beyond the Capital City, the State Government also plans to develop a Tech Business Park spanning around 1.5 lakh square feet in Keonjhar, covering 4.56 acres of land. Furthermore, similar IT parks are proposed for development in six other locations across the state, signaling a concerted effort to promote IT infrastructure development in tier-II and tier-III cities.
The Odisha Computer Application Center (OCAC), which currently functions as the Technical Directorate of the Electronics & IT Department and plays a crucial role in facilitating IT investments in the state, will also be a key occupant of the new tower.
The Electronics and IT Department will engage a Central or State Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) as the Project Management Agency (PMA) for the construction of the Technology Business Tower. The PMA will be responsible for overseeing all stages of the project, including detailed planning, coordination, execution, procurement, risk management, cost control, quality assurance, and ensuring adherence to all relevant legal, technical, and regulatory standards. This strategic move aims to ensure the timely and efficient completion of the project within the allocated budget and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
This infrastructure push aligns with the State Government’s overarching goal of transforming Odisha into a powerhouse in the IT and electronics sectors by 2036, coinciding with the state’s centenary of formation. To achieve this vision, the government has recently drafted a new IT Policy that offers various subsidies and incentives to attract investments.
The proposed policy includes provisions such as a 100 percent exemption on stamp duty for the first transaction and a 50 percent exemption for the second transaction on lease or sale agreements of land or built-up space allotted by the Government for companies establishing IT parks. Additionally, eligible IT units, towers, and parks will be granted a 100% exemption or reimbursement from electricity duty for a period of five years from the commencement of their commercial operations in the state.
This multi-pronged approach, encompassing the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure in Bhubaneswar and tier-II/III cities, coupled with attractive policy incentives, underscores the Odisha Government’s commitment to fostering a thriving IT ecosystem and attracting significant investments in the sector, ultimately aiming to enhance employment opportunities and propel the state’s economic growth.