Kochi, Aug 14 (IANS): The IT corridor of Kochi in Kerala is expanding to neighbouring regions with Infopark at Cherthala shaping up as a hub for IT companies from Gulf Cooperation Council and other Middle East countries.

The Infopark Cherthala, about 30 from here in Kerala, which is being developed as a spoke of Infopark Kochi, has attracted mid-segment companies, mainly from Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE, by providing the best-in-class infrastructure facilities and leveraging its proximity to Kochi.

"The Infopark Cherthala, designed for low-cost operations, has emerged as a much sought after destination for IT companies from the Middle East. We are developing the park to accommodate more companies for which tenders will be floated to invite private participation in developing IT campuses in the park," said Infopark CEO Hrishikesh Nair.

Currently, 15 companies are operating at the sprawling park, which offers a slew of facilities and concessions to companies planning to set up their shops there.

"We will be soon scaling up our operations at the park by increasing our strength from 50 to 100," said Bobby Kuriakose, director of Kuwait-based Path Solutions, which provides financial software services like core banking and mobile and internet banking for the Islamic banking industry.

The park with its current 2.4 lakh sq.feet built-up area offers plug-and-play facilities and warm shell options for companies looking for bigger space.

Deepu Krishnan, manager of Bahrain-based Voyager IT Solutions which has development centers in Bahrain and Singapore, said: "We opted for the park because of low operating cost and good infrastructure."

"This is our first development centre in India and plan to expand our operation," said Krishnan.

Anoop Krishnan, CEO of Kuwait-based Webna Web Solutions Pvt. Ltd. said: "The operational cost is very less in Cherthala, when compared to having a similar facility in major cities. We have also been able to find the right talent locally as per our requirement".