Karnataka Set to Launch Bidding Process for New IT Park in Mangaluru Next Week

The Karnataka government is reportedly preparing to invite expressions of interest (EOI) and bids next week for the development of a new IT and technology park in Mangaluru. According to official sources, this initiative represents a significant effort to extend the state's technology ecosystem beyond the Bengaluru metropolitan region and into coastal Karnataka.

Project Overview

Industry sources indicate that the proposed technology park would be located in Mangaluru, with the exact site expected to be confirmed in the official bid documents. The project is reportedly being implemented through Karnataka Udyog Mitra (KUM), the state's investment facilitation agency. The primary objective is said to be attracting private developers to build and operate a plug-and-play IT campus that can accommodate software companies, digital enterprises, and technology service providers.

Strategic Objectives Behind the Initiative

According to government officials, the project aims to achieve multiple strategic goals. The initiative is designed to diversify Karnataka's IT infrastructure by expanding beyond Bengaluru, which currently tops India's office space market in terms of technology leasing activity. Officials reportedly expect the park to generate substantial employment opportunities in high-skilled technology roles and support sectors.

The Karnataka government has been actively promoting IT investment in secondary cities, reflecting a broader rise of tier-2 cities in Indian real estate. The plug-and-play model is intended to provide ready-to-occupy office space that enables technology firms to deploy operations quickly without significant infrastructure investments.

Expected Features of the Technology Park

While detailed specifications will be shared in the bid documents, sources familiar with the project suggest that the development is expected to include several key features. These reportedly encompass high-quality commercial buildings designed to modern IT park specifications, robust digital infrastructure with fiber connectivity and reliable power backup systems, and comprehensive amenities including meeting spaces, cafeterias, parking facilities, and employee welfare provisions.

The project is also expected to incorporate sustainability measures and adhere to smart campus standards, aligning with the growing emphasis on commercial real estate investment opportunities in India that prioritise environmental considerations.

Market Context and Growth Potential

Mangaluru has reportedly been gaining traction as a secondary IT destination owing to the presence of strong educational institutions, a growing talent pool, and improving connectivity infrastructure. This development mirrors trends observed in other tier-II cities, similar to Coimbatore's office leasing boom reflecting corporate shift to smaller cities.

The Karnataka government has reportedly been offering incentives and land support to attract technology firms and developers to secondary urban centres. This approach aligns with the broader national trend where tier-2 and tier-3 markets are reshaping India's real estate landscape by offering cost advantages and quality of life benefits.

Anticipated Economic Impact

Industry analysts suggest that the technology park is projected to create thousands of direct employment opportunities in IT and related service sectors. The development is expected to stimulate increased demand for commercial space, hospitality services, retail establishments, and ancillary businesses in the surrounding areas.

The project is also anticipated to address brain drain concerns by providing local graduates and professionals with career opportunities without requiring migration to larger metropolitan areas. This reflects the growing momentum of India's office real estate sector driven by tech expansion.

Bid Process and Next Steps

According to the announced timeline, expressions of interest and bids are scheduled to be invited next week, allowing interested developers to participate in the project development process. Following the submission period, proposals will reportedly be evaluated based on financial viability, developer experience, design quality, and delivery capability.

A developer or operator will subsequently be selected to design, build, and operate the IT park. This model has been successfully implemented in other Karnataka cities and reflects the state's experience with flexible workspace expansion in tier-II cities.

Broader Implications for Regional Development

The Karnataka government's decision to launch a competitive bidding process for the Mangaluru IT park reportedly underscores the state's commitment to broadening its technology footprint across urban centres. The initiative aligns with national programmes such as national industrial corridors bridging urban and rural India.

With a focus on plug-and-play infrastructure, employment generation, and balanced regional growth, the project positions Mangaluru as an emerging destination on India's technology map. This development could serve as a template for similar initiatives in other coastal cities, much like how Mysuru has emerged as an alternative to Bengaluru for real estate and business investment.

News Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any investment or business decisions. The details mentioned are subject to change as per official announcements and bid document specifications released by Karnataka Udyog Mitra.