DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Mar 12
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed a comprehensive roadmap for establishing future-ready Information Technology Parks in Jammu and Kashmir in a phased manner with the objective of strengthening the Union Territory’s technology ecosystem, generating employment opportunities and building institutional capacity to meet emerging technological challenges.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Information Technology, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Chief Executive Officer of Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency and several senior officers of the concerned departments. The discussions focused on the long-term strategy to develop a robust information technology infrastructure and create a vibrant ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, research and industry collaboration in the region.
While reviewing the proposal, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to build a strong foundational framework to ensure the successful implementation of such initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that technological advancement will play a crucial role in shaping the future economy and highlighted the importance of investing in modern infrastructure, skilled human resources and institutional mechanisms capable of responding effectively to emerging global technological trends.
He observed that the development of Information Technology Parks would significantly contribute to the region’s economic transformation by promoting innovation, attracting technology-driven industries and creating new employment opportunities for the youth. According to him, such initiatives will also encourage the growth of start-ups and strengthen the digital ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The Chief Secretary further stated that the establishment of these IT Parks would help position Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub of technological innovation and digital development. He stressed that the administration must work proactively to ensure that the region keeps pace with rapidly evolving technological advancements and harnesses the potential of the digital economy.
During the meeting, he directed the concerned departments to maintain close coordination with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu for the timely implementation of the proposed phases. He also emphasized the need to create a conducive ecosystem that would facilitate research collaborations, support technology start-ups and attract leading technology companies to the region.
At the outset of the meeting, Secretary Information Technology Dr. Piyush Singla presented the background of the initiative and briefed the Chief Secretary about the progress achieved so far in developing technology-driven innovation infrastructure in the Union Territory. He outlined the strategic vision behind the project and explained how the establishment of IT Parks would help accelerate the growth of the technology sector in the region.
During the meeting, Professor Arvind from the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu presented a detailed plan for establishing an Innovation and Research Park, which would initially be developed within the campus of IIT Jammu and later expanded to other locations across the Union Territory. The proposed project aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates academic research, technological innovation and industrial collaboration.
Officials informed the meeting that the Detailed Project Report for the initiative has already been approved by the Board of Governors of IIT Jammu on January 5, 2026. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has also granted in-principle approval for collaboration on the project, paving the way for its phased implementation.
The project envisages a systematic development strategy to gradually build a strong IT and innovation ecosystem in the region. According to the plan presented during the meeting, the development will take place in multiple phases, each aimed at expanding infrastructure and increasing the scale of operations.
Under the first phase, which is scheduled to commence during May-June 2026, around 50,000 square feet of existing built-up space within the IIT Jammu campus will be upgraded and developed to initiate the operations of the proposed IT and innovation park.
This phase will focus on establishing the initial infrastructure and creating facilities for innovation activities, research collaborations and start-up incubation.
The second phase of the project will involve the construction of approximately 120,000 square feet of additional infrastructure. The construction work for this phase is proposed to begin during the year 2026 and is targeted to be completed by the year 2028. This expansion will significantly enhance the capacity of the park and provide additional space for technology companies, research institutions and start-up ventures.
The third phase will focus on expanding the IT Park beyond the campus of IIT Jammu. This phase aims to enable larger industry participation and promote technology-driven growth across the region by creating additional technology hubs outside the institute.
During the presentation, officials also informed that a suitable land parcel has been identified in the Kashmir division for the future expansion of the park. In addition, land is proposed to be identified in Jammu as well for further expansion in close proximity to the existing IIT Jammu campus. These developments are expected to ensure balanced technological growth across both regions of the Union Territory.
The proposed Innovation Research Park at IIT Jammu is planned with a built-up area of more than 11,000 square metres. The facility will consist of multiple functional floors designed to accommodate innovation laboratories, technology companies, start-ups and collaborative research initiatives. The park will also include supporting infrastructure aimed at fostering research-industry partnerships, encouraging innovation and promoting technology incubation activities.
Officials stated that once fully developed, the IT Parks are expected to play a key role in strengthening the digital economy of Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating sustainable employment opportunities for the youth. The initiative is also expected to attract national and international technology firms to the region, thereby accelerating technological development and economic growth in the Union Territory.
