Anita, a software engineer in Brussels, returned to Kolkata after a long hiatus. When she left for abroad, Anita did not think of Kolkata becoming a potential IT hub.
However, the recent changes made her rethink. Within a few days, she realised that the winds of change started flowing, and it was only getting stronger with time. Kolkata’s IT landscape is changing for the better, and this will open up unprecedented opportunities for IT firms and aspiring professionals seeking rewarding jobs.
The Biggest Developments in the IT Scene in Kolkata
After checking the web and interacting with her friends, Anita realized Kolkata’s IT scene has evolved over the last few years. It is growing at a phenomenal 70% rate per year, as per the data. Factors like a skilled workforce, pro-development govt endeavours, and strategic investments by IT sector bigwigs have fueled the change.
The Silicon Valley Tech hub in New Town is nearing completion, shaking off the inertia induced by the bureaucratic tussles. The state government feels it will become fully functional by this year. Apart from Infosys and TCS, major players like NTT, LTIMindtree, Nxtra by Airtel, and Reliance are setting up their facilities in the hub.
TCS, a frontrunner in the IT scene, is setting up two new campuses in the New Town area. One of those, being set up at Gitanjali Park, will get twin towers that can accommodate over 12500 professionals. The second and bigger one, coming up at the much-touted Bengal Silicon Valley hub, will have a capacity to accommodate more than 16,500 workers.
Infosys has invested around INR 426 crore to set up its sprawling new campus in New Town. The 50-acre campus is estimated to accommodate 8,000 professionals. This campus accommodates professionals working on emerging technologies such as cloud computing and AI.
ITC InfoTech is scaling its operations steadily, focusing on areas like Blockchain development, IoT integration, and AI-driven analytics. It is deemed a major contributor to the promising IT ecosystem in Kolkata. Its Global AI Centre of Excellence, located at the ITC Green Centre Campus, is hogging headlines. ITC Infotech has set a target for growing its workforce by 25-30% annually.
Wipro has been operating in Kolkata since 2005. Now, it is setting up its second campus in New Town.
The arrival and expansion of such technology sector behemoths indicate a significant shift in the IT landscape, showing the makeover Kolkata is undergoing. These may encourage more IT sector players to choose Kolkata for operation expansion.
The Influx of IT Players from Abroad
Apart from the behemoths in the IT sector, new players from aboard are making inroads, further fueling the industry’s growth.
UK-based IT Giant Redoq Group has announced its grand plans to invest in Kolkata. The investment amount is expected to touch INR100 crore by next year. Babul Supriyo, the West Bengal IT minister, inaugurated Redoq’s new hub at Infinity IT Lagoon in Salt Lake Sector V while emphasizing Kolkata’s growing importance as an IT hub. The notable thing is that Redoq is shifting its powerhouse outside the UK in this unprecedented move. Dipal Dutta, the Redoq CEO, revealed the company’s plans to acquire land for further operation expansion.
Another UK-based IT firm, Praeferre, is eyeing Kolkata for operation expansion starting in early 2025.
TagoreTech, a noted Chicago-based semiconductor maker, has opened its first Radio Frequency (RF) lab in Salt Lake Sector V, Kolkata. The 11,000 sq. ft. facility is run by its subsidiary, Tagore RF India Pvt. Ltd. The Kolkata lab will focus on engineering validation of locally developed RF chips. These RF chips are used profusely in defence applications, drones, and radars.
Unified Infotech, a NY-based IT Service and Consulting entity, is all set to commence operations at its new campus at the Bengal Silicon Valley Hub, Newtown.
The Rise of the Underdogs
Kolkata-based firms with a focus on cybersecurity are gaining attention. The Indian School of Anti-Hacking is now offering its services for enhanced data security. Regional players like Somnetics and BluCocoon Digital are growing exponentially and doing their bit to contribute to nascent sectors like IoT and AI. The former is expanding its operations to the Middle East, USA, and EU.
LTI Mindtree is making strides in the national IT scene and has recently expanded its footprint to Kolkata. The swanky new office is located at Newtown’s DLF IT Park 2, which can accommodate around 600 employees.
Factors Fueling the City’s IT Boom
After returning to Kolkata, Anita noticed how the atmosphere had changed in subtle ways. The development of urban transport networks (expanding metro routes) and government measures to curb the menace of bandhs and strikes are catalysts for the growth of Kolkata’s IT sector.
She was pleased to observe how power cuts have become rare in the city compared to her school days. Fewer power outages benefit both the residents and the IT sector.
Wrap up
IT professionals like Anita have many reasons to feel optimistic about the unforeseen IT sector growth that Kolkata is undergoing. With popular domestic and foreign-origin IT giants focusing on the city and regional players proving their might, it may soon become the country’s leading IT destination. The proactive state government initiatives and urban transport developments have set the ball rolling, and the future looks bright.
