An Abu Dhabi-based company plans to build a "space-themed" town on the outskirts of Bangalore that will include technology parks, a residential area and an amusement park. Space City will be constructed by Marib Holdings in Chikkaballapur district, 90km from Bangalore, said Sanjai Chhaunker, the managing director of the Indian-arm of the company.
"It's a theme-based project, we will use the analogy of outer space," he said. "There is no comparison to it in India or the rest of the world. It is a unique development targeted at world tourists." The project, which is expected to cost US$4bn (Dh14.7bn), will include a residential area, science and technology parks and exhibition halls. "We have envisaged a completely new city development," said Mr Chhaunker, adding that further details will be announced in a week.
Murugesh Nirani, the state industries minister for Karnataka, of which Bangalore is the capital, said a high-level committee approved the project on Saturday, but no date has been set for construction to begin. "The space city project will provide employment to 20,000 people," Mr Nirani said. Bangalore is India's information and technology hub and the state government hopes the project will foster development, including the construction of roads and hotels.
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