Kochi: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has confirmed that Infopark Phase 3, Kerala’s first Integrated AI Township, will be completed by 2030. GCDA Chairman K Chandran Pillai said a master plan and detailed project report will be submitted to the government within a year. A notification for land pooling will be issued within three weeks.

Spanning 300 to 500 acres in the Ernakulam district, the project will integrate commercial and residential spaces with modern infrastructure, resulting in more than 20 million sq. ft. of commercial space and over 5,000 housing units.

The township is expected to attract investments of around ₹25,000 crore and generate two lakh direct jobs and four lakh indirect jobs. Infopark CEO Susanth Kurunthil said the development would attract global tech giants and GCCs of leading companies, establishing Kochi as a major IT hub.

GCDA will facilitate the land pooling process while Infopark will act as the developer. Pillai said Kunnathunad and Kizhakkambalam panchayats are under consideration, though the final decision will be based on environmental feasibility and consultations with landowners. “Land pooling will be finalised democratically after discussions with stakeholders,” he said. An office will be established within Infopark Phase 1 to coordinate the project, and an official will be appointed directly by the government to oversee the work.

The project is designed as a mixed-use development with IT towers, schools, hospitals, shopping centres, sports and cultural venues, an amphitheatre, smart parking, and green spaces. It will be connected to Ernakulam city, the proposed Angamaly–Nettoor NH bypass, metro services and public transit, ensuring smooth access. Dedicated zones are planned for IT, retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, urban farming and transport, supported by strong utility and waste management systems.

Infopark Phase 3 is being developed as an AI-native city. Unlike conventional smart cities, which use technology to manage services, an AI-native city operates on artificial intelligence as its foundation. A central “urban city brain” will analyse real-time data from across the township to anticipate needs and optimise operations. AI will be utilised in power, water, waste, traffic, and security systems, shifting governance from a reactive to a proactive approach.

The township’s design emphasises sustainability and inclusivity. It aims for carbon negativity through renewable energy and green buildings, water positivity with rainwater harvesting and recycling, and zero waste through advanced management systems. Accessibility will be ensured through universal design, while maintainability will be supported by underground utilities for easier upkeep and better aesthetics. Round-the-clock AI surveillance will enhance safety.

The MoU for the project was signed on Monday in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the Kerala Land Pooling Rules, the project can proceed only after obtaining the consent of at least 75 per cent of the landowners. GCDA has already begun consultations to explain the model and its benefits.

Along with Phase 3, preparations for Infopark Phase 4 are also progressing. Together, these projects are expected to transform Kochi into a world-class IT ecosystem by the end of the decade.