T’puram: Long-awaited MSME Technology Centre at Technocity in Pallippuram has moved a step closer to reality with the finalisation of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tender, paving the way for the commencement of one of Kerala’s most significant advanced manufacturing and skill development projects.According to the financial evaluation report issued by IRCON International Ltd on June 22, Dianka Industries Pvt Ltd emerged as the successful bidder for the project. The company was the lone participant in the tender process and quoted Rs 73.52 crore, which is 8.10% below the estimated project cost of Rs 80 crore. The report states that the contract has been awarded to the firm, subject to the approval of the competent authority. IRCON was awarded the main contract for project execution.The tender pertains to the construction of MSME Technology Centre under Union ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises’ “Establishment of New Technology Centres/Extension Centres” scheme. Besides civil construction, EPC package also includes maintenance of the facility for two years during the defect liability period.The project will come up on land allotted at Technocity, Phase IV expansion campus of Technopark in Pallippuram. Once completed, the centre is expected to become a major hub for advanced manufacturing technologies, product design, prototyping, precision engineering, automation, robotics and industrial innovation. It will also provide technology support, testing facilities, consultancy services and business advisory assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises while offering industry-oriented skill development programmes for engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI trainees.The proposed facility forms part of the Center’s nationwide initiative to establish 20 new technology centres and 100 extension centres to strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs through technology upgradation and skilled manpower development. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 3,500 crore and aims to significantly expand the geographical reach of technology support infrastructure across the country.Thiruvananthapuram centre is expected to complement the rapidly emerging high-technology ecosystem at Technocity, where several strategic projects, including Kerala Space Park, Digital Science Park and IT infrastructure developments, are also progressing. Industry experts believe the facility will play a crucial role in supporting sectors such as aerospace, defece, electronics, medical devices and precision manufacturing while helping local MSMEs adopt Industry 4.0 technologies.
