VISAKHAPATNAM: Global IT giant Cognizant perfor-med the groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming 8,000-seat campus in Visakhapatnam on Friday, in the presence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
The new facility, to be developed in three phases by 2033, involves an investment of Rs 1,583 crore.
Construction of the first phase will begin in 2026, with a capacity for 3,000 associates when it is completed in early 2029. The subsequent phases will increase the overall seating capacity to 8,000.
While the original proposal envisioned an 8,000-seat centre, discussions between the Chief Minister and Cognizant CEO S Ravi Kumar led the company to commit to generating 20,000 jobs in the region, enhancing its overall investment impact.
Welcoming Cognizant’s expansion, Naidu said the project aligns with his government’s vision to make Andhra Pradesh a preferred destination for global enterprises.
Cognizant CEO stresses company’s confidence in Vizag talent & potential
“This facility is a landmark step in advancing our vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a world-class destination where global enterprises can build, innovate, and grow,” he said, adding, “This investment will generate 20,000 high-quality jobs, enhance the region’s digital capabilities, and contribute significantly to the State’s innovation-driven and technology-enabled growth.
HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh said Cognizant’s decision to set up operations in Visakhapatnam marks an important step in the city’s emergence as a major technology hub and financial centre. “In 2025, during our visit to Davos, we invited Cognizant to set up operations in Visakhapatnam. Even before we head to Davos again, the company has already started its activities here, and has now laid the foundation stone for its new office building. As an incentive, we assured them land at a concessional rate of 99 paise per acre, and we have allotted it accordingly,” he said.
Lokesh further noted that the government is inviting IT companies and industries to this region to create a situation where the question “Why not Vizag?” becomes the natural response. Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar said the launch of the new campus, along with the opening of an interim techfin centre, underscores the company’s confidence in Visakhapatnam’s talent pool and long-term potential.
He thanked the State government for its support.
Lokesh inaugurated Cognizant’s temporary campus in Visakhapatnam. The temporary facility has been set up in Mahati Fintech Building at Madhurawada Hill No. 2.
Cognizant will operate from this location until the completion of Phase I of its permanent campus.
The techfin centre will focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital engineering, and cloud solutions, and includes a client experience centre and collaborative workspaces.