Due to successful marketing and quick inflow of funds, from sales and lease of space in the 1.28 million sq ft IT park, it may not be availing a major portion of its term loan. Of the Rs 174 crore term loans granted to the project by various banks and financial institutions, it has so far availed only Rs 66 crore and may take another Rs 30 crore, according to R Gopalan, chairman and managing director of TIDCO. This is due to excellent treasury management the company adopted right from the beginning of the project 16 months ago, which resulted in savings of Rs 10 crore in interest, he said.

According to industry secretary Shaktikanta Das the role of Tidel Park is more of a facilitator for IT development in the state. Tamil Nadu government is committed to encourage private sector initiatives in IT development in the state. The 1000 acres at Siruseri in Kelambakkam being developed by State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT), is one such effort to encourage private sector initiative for putting up own facilities in the software sector.

Once Tidel is fully ready and running, there is a proposal to start `Tidel technical services' and offer consultancy services to other software parks in India and abroad. According to Gopalan, there is already an enquiry from Oman for such services. Of the 27 companies who have committed for space in the IT Park, include Satyam Infoway, Pentamedia and iNautics who have taken 90,000 to one lakh sq ft each, followed by Brigade Solutions, which has taken 60,000 sq ft. Tidel Park has leased an additional 6.5 acres from the film city next door for additional car parking and a swimming pool.