TCS begins work on Rs 900 cr project at Hinjewadi SEZ

PUNE: Pune's status as the premier IT hub got a further boost as Tata Consulting Services (TCS), a leading IT services organisation, commenced work on its Rs 900-crore facility at the Hinjewadi Special Economic Zone, near here.

The three-phase project with TCS' largest development center called the TCS Sahyadri Park, spread over 50 acres of land will provide direct employment to over 20,000 people, TCS CEO and Managing Director S Ramadorai said.

TCS Sahyadri Park marks the next phase of our growth in the region and will help us access the skilled professionals and students in and around Pune, he told mediapersons.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh laid down the foundation stone of the first phase (Rs 400 crore) of the TCS centre on Wednesday evening.

Deshmukh hailed the contribution of the TATA group in the development of the state.

The first phase is expected to be completed by March next year with 7,000 seats, Ramadorai had said in the release issued yesterday.

The entire facility is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010, he added.

TATA Realty and Infrastructure Ltd has been mandated to develop the facility while Frank Glynn of California has been appointed as the principal architect for its design which envisions a campus of approximately 2.5 million sq.ft. with buildings up to nine stories in height and recreational area with land caped gardens, walks and music gallery.