Rakindo plan to set up $250-m arm may get okay

Rakindo Developers’ FDI Proposal for Coimbatore Township Awaits Cabinet Nod

Chennai-based real estate developer Rakindo Developers is on the cusp of receiving Cabinet clearance for its proposal to establish a wholly owned subsidiary with a substantial $250-million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Dubai-based Rakeen Development. This significant development is anticipated to materialize on Thursday.

Project Overview

  • Location: Coimbatore
  • Project Value: $1.5 billion (approximately Rs 6,000 crore)
  • Land Area: Over 1,000 acres
  • Central Attraction: 18-hole golf course
  • Project Components:
    • Residential Complexes
    • Commercial Complexes
    • IT SEZ
    • Specialty Hospital

Corporate Structure

Rakindo Developers, a joint venture between Rakeen Development (a joint stock global business company promoted by the Ras Al Khaimah group, UAE) and the Chennai-based mineral conglomerate Trimex Group (owned by Koneru Prasad), is proposed to serve as a holding company. This structure will facilitate investments in several Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) dedicated to developing and operating townships.

Regulatory Approvals

  • FIPB Approval: Already obtained for investing in and holding downstream investments in companies formed for the Coimbatore project.
  • Ministerial Approvals: Received from various ministries, including:
    • Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
    • Department of Economic Affairs
    • Ministry of Urban Development

Project Concept

The Coimbatore project is built around the innovative concept of “walk to work culture,” designed to offer a holistic, self-sustaining ecosystem.

Additional Proposal Under Consideration

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will also review another significant proposal by Essar Power Ltd, Mumbai, seeking FIPB approval to operate as a holding company.