Lepakshi Knowledge Hub is gearing up to launch construction work at its proposed integrated textile park in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in April, with the company receiving the nod from the Project Approval Committee of the Ministry of Textiles.
The company, a joint venture between GEM and Vittal Innovation City, will be developed over an extent of 10,000 acres, involving an investment of Rs 120 crore to develop common infrastructure, design studios, ready-to-use garment manufacturing units, training institute and a trade hub. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be wrapped up within 18 months.
It expects the units that set up shop in the park to bring in another Rs 660 crore worth investment and create 10,000 jobs, mostly for women from neighbouring villages, over a period of five to ten years.
Lepakshi has received letters of intent from garment manufacturers based in Bangalore and elsewhere for creation of 100,000 sq ft built up space to start operations, it said. The second phase will see creation of additional space of 200,000 sq ft.
About 15 apparel and textile companies are planning to set up units related to fabric production, home-textiles and ready-made garments, along with a fashion school.
Mr Srinivasa Balaji, Managing Director, said the textile park will be a part of the Lepakshi Knowledge Hub, which will have other components such as bio-tech SEZ, aerospace and precise engineering zone, free-trade warehousing and Ayush park.