The Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Tambaram is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade with a planned investment of Rs 5 billion over the next two years. Alex Paul Menon, IAS, Development Commissioner of MEPZ Special Economic Zone, announced that the funds will be used to enhance core infrastructure, including laying a 17-km underground duct system across the campus. The upgraded duct system will feature separate lines for effluent, sewage, drinking water, industrial water, gas, and optical fiber cables. "A tender for the project will be issued soon," Menon told the source. By March 2025, the entire campus will also be equipped with surveillance cameras, and strict measures will be enforced for parking violations and helmet compliance.

One of the major initiatives includes installing solar panels on all rooftops within the campus, aiming to generate 20-24 megawatts of power. MEPZ plans to act as a power distributor for the zone, entering into Power Purchase Agreements to supply solar energy to its units. "Our goal is to transform MEPZ into a zero-carbon campus by 2030," said Menon. The zone will also focus on improving air quality, drinking water, and industrial water supplies. New buildings will adhere to stringent quality standards, and existing units will be encouraged to upgrade their infrastructure to align with these norms.

With global emphasis on ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) compliance, MEPZ is aligning its operations to meet international standards. "European regulations are increasingly stringent on ESG, and our business units must comply to remain competitive," Menon stated. He emphasized the need for collective commitment from the developer and individual units to achieve these goals.

MEPZ Tambaram continues to thrive as an industrial and export hub. During the first nine months of FY 2024-25, the zone recorded exports worth Rs 35.29 billion, generating employment for 35,363 people and contributing Rs 32.78 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Over the past five years, MEPZ has attracted a cumulative investment of Rs 36.67 billion. The campus hosts prominent industry players such as Cognizant, Syrma SGS Technologies, HTC Global, Igarashi Motors, Celebrity Fashions, Econ Systems, and Godrej & Boyce. Its diverse manufacturing portfolio includes software, apparel, cameras, chemicals, guitars, precision engineering products, hardware, and laptops.

Menon highlighted the need to create a balanced ecosystem catering to both blue-collar and white-collar workers at MEPZ. "Our vision is to make MEPZ Tambaram a clean, green, safe, and growth-oriented industrial park by 2030," he said. (Business Line)