Primary works for phase 2 operations for the Gujarat Biotech Park (GBTP), coming up at Savli near Vadodara, is currently progressing at a fairly good pace. With 100 per cent support from the state government and the industry, the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) has drawn up a clear-cut roadmap to carry out the second and third phase of the project.

The primary works for the phase 2 project, to be set up around 125 acres, has already commenced and the final paperwork for a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as per the MoU is currently on the way. The phase 3 project will be worked out in another 500 acres, to cover a total area of 700 acres for the GBTP. In the total area, the mission has allocated 15 to 17 acres of land for R&D and common animal house facility.

Designed to complete in three phases, the Mission has signed a MoU with a consortium of three companies to carry the second and third phase through public private partnership. The consortium consists of two Mumbai-based real estate firms Akruti Nirman Ltd and TCG Real Estate along with Yes Bank.

Currently, the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) is waiting for central government nod to commence phase 1 operations. The basic infrastructure has been set up and clearance certificates including the environment safety certification are on possession of the officials for phase 1 of the project, designed in an area of 90 acres, said GSBTM officials. The state government has also issued its nod to start operations recently, and the green signal from the central government is expected at any time.

The park will have a ready to use building for biotech incubator with more than 35,000 sq. ft. area for development of amenities like molecular labs, chambers and corporate office, fire station, bank with strong room, healthcare unit, pump station etc. According to the project roll out plan for the Park: The phase 1 activities are expected to commence by 2007-08; Phase 2 on 2008-09 and Phase 3 on 2010. But considering the current speed of activities and the industrial support, the mission is planning to complete the project in an earlier time frame, according to Akshay Kumar Saxena, Mission Director, GSBTM.

"With its completion, the Biotech Park will provide space and opportunity to the biotech players from various parts of the country and even players from overseas nations. Many pharma firms, which have their meager operations in biotech sector has also shown interest in setting up their facilities in the Park, which is a very good sign for us," said Saxena

The common infrastructure like fresh and reliable water supply, electricity supply, approach roads, internal concrete roads and storm water drainage, effluent treatment plant, administrative block, post office and community centre are ready in the park premises. Initially, nearly 10 biotech firms including some of the major companies in the country will set up their plants in the park.

The Park endeavors to create a geographic concentration/ cluster of life sciences companies, research institutions, academia, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure in the form of modular R&D labs, manufacturing facilities, a biotech incubator, an animal house facility, and other support infrastructure.