First phase of Smart City Project inaugurated

Kochi: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Minister for Industries and IT P. K. Kunhalikutty, UAE Cabinet Affairs Minister and Chairman of Dubai Holding Mohammed Al Gargawi and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy inaugurated the first phase Smart City Project in Kochi on Saturday.

The construction of the second phase of the project was also inaugurated at the function.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Kerala had opened its doors to the world. “It is indeed a proud moment for all.”

Mr. Chandy added that this major developmental initiative should have been completed much earlier.

He said that the realisation of the project had opened a door of immense opportunities. The scenario of our youth migrating to other countries in search of job would now end. This was the significance of Smart City. The State was committed to provide quality employment to the youth and the Smart City is an important step towards that.

Mr. Chief Minister said Kerala and Dubai acted like a perfect team to realise the project.
"Smart City is not just another project. It's a symbol of the centuries-old relation between Kerala and Dubai. With the opening of the Smart City, our relation has become stronger," he said.

The State government was fully satisfied with the construction of Smart City. The project will pave way for Kerala's leap in the IT sector, he said.

Mohammed Al Gargawi said Kerala would become a leading place of technological advancement and sharing knowledge. The development of Information Technology would also help growth of Health and Industries sector.

Though the promoters have announced that 27 companies had leased out space in the Smart City, only a list of 22 firms were available following the inauguration. Hardly any major company from outside Kerala was in the list.