The Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) is waiting for central government nod to commence phase I operations of the Gujarat Biotech Park (GBTP), a public private partnership project initiated by the state government at Savli, Vadodara in Gujarat.

The basic infrastructure has been set up and clearance certificates including the environment safety certification are on possession of the officials for phase I 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 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.

"We are expecting more big pharma firms would come forward with interest to take over the plots in the Park. There is a hope in this regard, as one of the major companies like Zydus Cadila has also agreed to launch their facility in the park. We are more enthusiastic on the project now, with the beautiful response from the industry," said Akshay Kumar Saxena, mission director, GSBTM.

Designed to complete in three phases, the Mission has signed an MoU with a consortioum 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.

The primary works for the phase II 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 III 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.

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 I activities are expected to commence by 2007-08; phase II on 2008-09 and phase III 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, added Saxena.