Mohali is all set to get new lease of life with the dawn of IT special economic zones (SEZs) that may change the face of the district, which used to be known as engineering manufacturing hub. In a bid to generate jobs in the knowledge-based industry, the first building, the Landmark Plaza, of IT special economic zone of Qurakcity in Mohali, is set to get operational soon. The 14 storey building spread over 600,000 sq ft has capacity to accommodate 55,000 professionals.

QuarkCity is a 51-acre development in Mohali, Punjab that includes world-class residential, commercial, retail and hotel projects, and an IT and ITES SEZ. The total investment in the project is estimated at Rs 1200-crore. Quarkcity is expecting to get in high-end IT multinational companies in another two months and these companies will be capturing space in the processing area of 1,00, 000 square metre. With substantial backing from the US investors, the SEZ is set to draw a large chunk of the US-based companies.

This is one of the tallest buildings in the district, which has specially designed in a way that will help in saving energy. The company is awaiting few approvals from the departments of Punjab before it could announce its formal launch. Dr SS Channy, principal secretary, department of industries and commerce, Punjab said that all clearances will be given shortly. Residential townhouses and condominium apartments, shopping facilities with restaurants and multiplex entertainment, hotels in both 5-star and 3-star categories will also come up in the non- processing area. The construction for residential houses has already begun.

Another proposed IT SEZ Sukham Infrastructure (P) Ltd in Mohali has got a formal approval from the government and will begin construction soon. Sukham has proposed to develop IT SEZ with an investment of Rs 745-crore at 16.86 hectares in Mohali. This will generate employment for 10,000-20,000 persons. Talking to FE ,Anupam Saxena, managing director Sukham Infrastructure Private Limited said, ?The project is being promoted by Urban Infrastructure Limited of Reliance Industries Limited, Landmark Holdings, Yellow Stone and Beggruen Limited. We will be launching our project very shortly. Apart from this integrated townships, shopping malls and multiplexes will be constructed?.

Furthermore, Ansal API has also proposed to develop a 10.80-hectare IT SEZ in Mohali at an investment of Rs 506.22 crore. The project is expected to give employment to 35,000 people.