Kozhikode-based HiLITE Group has announced a massive ₹25,000 crore investment plan over the next five years to develop 50 million sq. ft. of space across Kerala, spanning retail malls, IT parks, healthcare, education, residential, and commercial projects, according to a company statement.
Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group, told reporters that the company is expanding aggressively into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through a network of HiLITE centres and mixed-use developments. The strategy aims to bring organised retail, entertainment, dining, and premium lifestyle experiences to emerging markets beyond major urban centres, Muhammed said.
Scale and Reach of the Investment
The ₹25,000 crore investment will be deployed over five years, with the company targeting a total built-up area of 50 million sq. ft. across Kerala. Muhammed noted that projects planned for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are expected to boost local economies, expand consumer choice, generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and create a connected network of retail, leisure, and education destinations across the state.
Key Projects Under the Plan
The centrepiece of the expansion is the World Trade Centre Kozhikode, billed as India’s largest World Trade Center development. Located within HiLITE City on the Kozhikode Bypass, the 12.5-million-sq.-ft. project is being developed with an investment of $680 million. Its first tower, the WTC Learning Park, a 2.14-lakh-sq.-ft. education hub, is nearing completion.
In Kochi, the group is set to launch HiLITE Boulevard on Willingdon Island. Positioned as Kerala’s first waterfront retail and leisure destination, the project will focus on food, entertainment, recreation, and immersive attractions.
Other Major Developments
- YOO Hub Trivandrum: Developed at Technopark Phase III through a ₹300-crore partnership with YOO and International Workplace Group.
- Cyber Hub and Cyber Tower: IT infrastructure at Cyberpark, offering modern office space for technology firms, startups, and enterprises.
- Mandara Women’s Wellness by Elanine: A dedicated wellness facility focused on women’s health and wellbeing, integrating advanced wellness technologies with traditional approaches.
Project Summary Table
| Project | Location | Key Feature | Investment/Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Trade Centre Kozhikode | HiLITE City, Kozhikode Bypass | India’s largest WTC development | $680 million; 12.5 million sq. ft. |
| WTC Learning Park | First tower of WTC Kozhikode | Education hub | 2.14 lakh sq. ft. |
| HiLITE Boulevard | Willingdon Island, Kochi | Kerala’s first waterfront retail & leisure destination | Not disclosed |
| YOO Hub Trivandrum | Technopark Phase III | Partnership with YOO & IWG | ₹300 crore |
| Cyber Hub & Cyber Tower | Cyberpark | IT office infrastructure | Not disclosed |
| Mandara Women’s Wellness | Not disclosed | Women’s health & wellness facility | Not disclosed |
Strategic Rationale
HiLITE Group’s push into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities aligns with broader trends in Indian real estate, as developers seek growth beyond saturated metro markets. By mixing retail, IT, education, and wellness assets, the group aims to create integrated ecosystems that attract both consumers and businesses. The partnership with International Workplace Group (IWG) for YOO Hub Trivandrum also signals a focus on flexible workspace solutions.
The ₹25,000 crore commitment underscores HiLITE’s long-term bet on Kerala’s economic development, leveraging the state’s skilled workforce and rising consumer demand. The company’s diversified portfolio—from malls to IT parks to women’s wellness—reflects a strategy to capture multiple revenue streams while contributing to local employment and infrastructure.
Next Milestone
HiLITE Group will execute the projects over the next five years, with the WTC Learning Park nearing completion as the first major milestone. Further announcements on timelines for HiLITE Boulevard and other developments are expected as the company progresses.
Sources:
