TCS mulls expansion within SEZs only

The domestic IT major Tata Consultancy Services said that its major expansion would henceforth take place within the notified Special Economic Zones in the country.

S Ramadorai, CEO, said, "We are looking at expansion in the notified SEZ regions only. These are the areas which provide excellent growth opportunities."

Special expansion zones

• The Tatas-promoted company is banking on fresh talent for fast growth
• TCS is setting up its largest global operating unit in Pune to accommodate 20,000 professionals
• The company is planning to set up facilities in Nagpur, Aurangabad, Thane, Bhubaneswar, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Thiruvanathapuram, Mangalore and Kochi

Besides, the company is banking on fresh talent for rapid growth. "We have already offered 20,000 new jobs through campus placements. We believe in training freshers and grooming them to suit TCS' needs," Ramadorai said.

TCS is setting up its largest global operating unit to accommodate 20,000 professionals in Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park at Hinjewadi, Pune, a notified SEZ. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Wednesday laid the foundation-stone for the facility, which will become operational by December 2009.

Ramadorai said, "Pune Sahyadri Park will drive the next phase of our growth and help us access skilled professionals and students. On completion, the facility will provide direct employment to more than 20,000 people as well as indirect employment to many."

"In the first phase, the Sahyadri Park will have a capacity for 7,000 professionals and may cost Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion)," said Chief Financial Officer S Mahalingam. The next two phases will be ready by 2010 and will cost Rs 500 crore (RS 5 billion).

The company is planning to set up facilities at Nagpur, Aurangabad, Thane, Bhubaneswar, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Thiruvanathapuram, Mangalore and Kochi.