Unallotted land at Sanand GIDC blocked for chip, space tech cos

GANDHINAGAR: After allotting 95 hectares of land in Sanand GIDC to semiconductor major Micron Technology, the Gujarat government has decided to reserve the remaining unallotted area of the GIDC to semiconductor companies and ancillary units along with space technology firms.
The rationale behind the decision, sources said, is the state government's aim to create a high-tech industry hub on the city's outskirts.
Soon, Sanand, which is known as an automobile industry hub, will also be known as a semiconductor industry hub, said sources.
Sources said that if required, the state government will acquire more land around Sanand GIDC to accommodate more semiconductor and space technology firms in the future.
According to state government officials, the total area of Sanand GIDC is 2,200 hectares, of which 1,400 hectares is allottable, while the remaining 800 hectares of land has been set aside for infrastructural facilities like roads, common effluent treatment plants and other common use amenities. Before Micron was allotted land at the GIDC, the state government had already allotted 600 acres of land to other industries in the estate.
"The 705 hectares of allottable land that remains in the industrial estate is now reserved for semiconductor companies, ancillary industries and space technology firms. This is the first time that a high-tech industry hub is being created by the state government. Having an established hub for the semiconductor industry will be a big incentive for other semiconductor firms to set up base in Sanand," a senior official said.
An area of 100 hectares has been reserved exclusively for space technology firms.
Official sources said that keeping in mind the specific requirements of the semiconductor industry, the state government will add infrastructural facilities at the estate.
US-based Micron Technology held the groundbreaking ceremony for its $2.75 billion (Rs 22,540 crore) chip assembly and test facility at Sanand GIDC in September. Micron's assembly, testing, marking and packaging (ATMP) facility is expected to be commissioned in 18 months. The computer storage chip manufacturer has begun the construction of its semiconductor plant.