Infopark's 300-Acre Expansion: A New Era of Land Pooling in Kerala

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will deploy a special team next week to begin land identification for the third-phase expansion of Infopark Kochi through a land-pooling model—a first-of-its-kind initiative for a major project in Kerala.

Following a government order dated October 18, 2024, GCDA has been designated as the ‘appropriate authority’ under Section 56 of the Kerala Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, 2023, enabling it to implement land-pooling as per the rules notified on March 16, 2024.

Approximately 300 acres are expected to be identified based on various development parameters. Under Kerala’s land-pooling framework, 30% of the pooled land will be allocated for commercial, industrial, and residential development, while the remaining 70% is redistributed among landowners, ensuring equitable participation and benefit-sharing.

Local bodies such as Municipal Councils or Panchayats may initiate land-pooling schemes, which can proceed to final notification once 75% of landowners give consent.

This initiative positions GCDA as the first urban local body in Kerala to implement land pooling for a flagship development project and is expected to significantly support Infopark’s expansion as a key technology hub, while also maintaining a balanced, community-inclusive development approach.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.