Olympic Tower in city

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Infrastructures Kerala Ltd (INKEL), the public-private venture formed to promote infrastructure development in the State, has a number of projects lined up for the city, including an Olympic Tower, the Assembly was told on Wednesday.The Olympic Tower, apparently linked with the upcoming National Games hosted by Kerala, is a joint initiative of INKEL and the Sports Department. Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, replying to questions in the House, listed various other projects INKEL has lined up in the Thiruvananthapuram district.INKEL and the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) are planning a commercial complex at Thampanoor. INKEL is also joining hands with the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) for the Palayam Development Project aimed at developing the busy commercial area of the city. INKEL is also teaming up with Resorts Kerala for development projects at Veli. This consists of establishing an Urban Entertainment Centre and Marine Aquarium at the tourist spot, the Assembly was told Wednesday.TechnoparkAn application has been filed before the Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University, for transforming the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) of the Technopark into a research centre of the Kerala University, the Assembly was told on Wednesday. The TBI helps to shape innovative ideas in the students according to needs in the IT/ITES industries.Replying to a question, Kunhalikutty said that there was no agreement that Kerala University students would be given research opportunities at Technopark when the university land was handed over for establishing the IT park. But Technopark provides them with opportunities for conducting research as well as visiting the facilities.The Kerala University had handed over 50 acres of land for Rs 75 lakh. Today, Technopark is home to 230 companies employing about 30,000 people. Its annual turnover in 2010-11 was Rs 1,422.57 crore.To another question, he replied that no specific orders have been issued regarding organisational freedom at Technopark.