Country India District Mumbai Suburban Time zone IST (UTC+5:30) Elevation 31 m | State Maharashtra Metro Mumbai PIN 400 096 | |
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Address Krantiveer Lakhuji Salve Marg, Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400093 Similar Andheri, SEEPZ Bus Depot, Seepz, Mahakali Caves, Bank of India | ||
Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) is a Special Economic Zone in Mumbai, India. Situated in the Andheri East area, it is subjected to liberal economic laws as compared to the rest of India to promote rapid economic growth using tax and business incentives and attract foreign investment and technology. Seepz was created in 1973 and was seen as export processing zone. Since then many other SEZ’s have been created in rest of India. SEEPZ mainly houses Electronic Hardware Manufacturing Companies, Software Companies and jewellery exporters of India. More than 40 percent of India’s total jewelry exports ($2,222.31 million) out of $5,210.69 million during year 2006-2007 came from units within SEEPZ. Despite its name, it is not located near the suburb of Santacruz, rather it is located closer to Andheri that lies further north.
Contents
Profile
More than 400 units operate in SEEPZ. These include Portescap India Pvt. Ltd. (highest exporter in SEEPZ - 2014-15), CGI Group Inc., Tata Consultancy Services, Syntel, Zycus, ACE Software, Tara Jewels Limited, Anlage Infotech Private Limited.
Buildings in the zone are called Standard Design Factories (SDF). Some of the factories are world class from inside.
The SEZ is a high security entry zone. Employees of various companies need to have permanent SEEPZ gate pass to gain entry. Visitors need special permits to enter. Due to these hassles government proposed making SEEPZ a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in 1999. However, gate pass and visitor pass rules continue till date. Making SEEPZ a FTZ meant that it would be treated as outside the customs zone of India. This meant no excise or customs duty will be levied on raw material but companies would also not be able to sell their products in domestic market.
Suncity Hotels is the only Three star Hotel located inside SEEZ SEZ.
Crimes
Due to its business importance and high concentration of work force SEEPZ has remained the prime target of criminals and terrorists. A high-profile case occurred in 1999 when diamonds worth ₹1,000 million (US$15 million) and gold worth ₹39,000 million (US$580 million) were smuggled out and sold in local market. After the 28 July 2003 Mumbai Bus Bombing major stockpile of explosives was also found near SEEPZ. Women employees working in SEEPZ during the night shifts are entitled transport facility between home and office from their employers.
Notable facts
Within the premises is located the ruins of an abandoned Portuguese church, St. John the Baptist Church, Mumbai built in 1579. The church also lay in ruins for years and access to it is restricted since SEEPZ was formed. After much political controversy, it was handed back to Fr Rodney Esperance of Bombay Archdiocese in 2003 in a ceremony organized by Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. A lake and several canteens are located inside the SEEPZ premises.