HDFC Bank Starts Operating Smoothly at Infopark, Kochi

HDFC Bank has started its operation at Infopark, Kochi by opening its new branch at Athulya building. The bank is located at the administrative block of Athulya buildings and it has been one month since it has started its operations. The bank has started functioning smoothly and a lot of customers have found it too beneficial.

Earlier one had to travel to Kakkanad which is around 4 kilometers, in order to contact a HDFC branch and it was too difficult for the infopark employees. For those who do not have their own conveyance, the task was really difficult as they had to spend more for auto fares or had to wait too long for public transport systems. But the arrival of new HDFC branch at Infopark campus is really a blessing for all those who are associated with the bank is one way or other.

Another benefit of the HDFC branch at Infopark is that it is less crowded and we can get our things done in less time. The staffs are more professionals and fast which makes the dealings and transactions more smooth. Since my office is very near to this branch, I don't have to take too much time from the office to get my things done through this HDFC branch. As we see in other HDFC bank, I have not experienced any kind of canvassing for their mutual funds, housing loans, car loans, personal loans from their side. But we can see leaflets of all their products and services pasted all over, which I consider is the best way rather than excessively canvassing customers. There is also an ATM just in front of the bank which makes things more easier.

The Pathetic State of Infopark Campus, Kochi

Infopark is Kerala's most prestigious IT park and this over hyped IT park in Kochi is home to some of the top companies in India.  New constructions and maintenances can be seen every day in Infopark and once you enter the Infopark campus, you get a feeling of a heavy construction site. This is the same situation since I have started working in Infopark since 3 years and every day you can see some or other kind of maintenance work going on at the same location again and again.

It is really a shameful sight when people from other places come to Infopark and the current state of Kochi Infopark is a real mess. Most of the buildings are good for the first 1-2 years and after that when these buildings enter the maintenance phase, things become worse. Most of the basic facilities are much below par with other IT parks in India. For example, in the Athulya Cafeteria block, there is a gent's toilet and washroom on the top floor. A lot of request has been send verbally to the office authorities to place a small bottle of liquid soap for hand washing purposes. It has been 3 months since the first request has been send by me and they have never dared to place a hand wash bottle in the washroom till now.

The same applies to all other things and most of the officials are having typical government employee attitude and no one cares to do the needful at the right time. The environment in the campus is too much polluted with dust and people having allergy easily fell victim to these dust coverings. The parking areas are also very much unorganized and the same applies to the security system. I have seen a large number of unauthorized vehicles such as trucks and tippers passing through the Infopark road without sufficient documents or pass.

Another major scene that struck my mind was when I visited my previous company at the Vismaya building in Infopark. I parked my bike in the parking area and when I looked around sensing a foul smell, I was shocked to see a huge collection of garbage accumulated in the parking area and that too just by the side of the so called Vismaya building. I thought it was a temporary set up but when I visited the same place after 1 week, everything remained the same and the foul smell of the waste garbage increased even more. I am wondering when our Government will take note of it and take necessary steps (Am sure that the Government officials would not do anything against it as long as they get something from somewhere:)). Anyhow here are some snaps of the waste dumping near Vismaya building that caught my attention few weeks back. Hope you all enjoy it.

Mock Fire Drill at Athulya Building, Infopark, Kochi, Kerala

Infopark authorities along with Kerala Fire Force had conducted a mock fire drill at Athulya Building, Infopark at Kochi on the 13th of March 2012. The mock drill started at sharp 3:30 PM and was there for around an hour. The mock drill provided ample awareness on the basic ways to fight fire and the various techniques that are implemented by the fire force.

The alarm started beeping at 3:30 PM at Athulya buildings and all the staffs assembled at the main parking ground infront of the building. Within minutes a make shift tend was set to fire and fire force and police vehicles ran to the spot providing a real time experience. In the end, there was also a small but informative speech conducted by one of the senior Kerala Fire force official. Here are some videos and snaps of the mock fire drill that was conducted at Athulya Buildings in Infopark Kochi.