VSNL likely to set up Rs 2000 cr SEZ in Delhi

Internet and telephony major Videsh Sanchar Nigam is likely to be investing Rs 2,000 crore to set up a Special Economic Zone in Delhi.

The Tata group company has approached the Ministry of Commerce and Industry seeking approval for the SEZ and expects to finalise the details soon.

Last year, the Tata group had approached the government seeking permission to set up an SEZ and the ministry is examining the proposal.

The SEZ will focus on information technology and information technology-enabled services (ITeS). The company will also look at software exports from the zone, sources said.

VSNL intends to invest Rs 2,000 crore over a period of time for the SEZ. The company has already committed an immediate investment of Rs 200 crore, the sources added.  When contacted, a VSNL spokesperson declined to comment on the issue.

At present, the Tata company has around 70 acres of land at Chattarpur and Greater Kailash in Delhi.

However, it was not clear whether the company will look at using these spaces for the SEZ or acquire new land for the SEZ.

Meanwhile, the company has received the approval for setting up a unit in Pune SEZ for software development, engineering design, backoffice support and business development services.

VSNL intends to set up the unit through its wholly owned subsidiary, VSNL Global Services, and intends to invest Rs 119.30 crore in the new unit.

The office of the development commissioner (SEEPZ Special Economic Zone) has granted permission for the Tata group company to set up a unit at EON Kharadi Infrastructure in Pune.