In a double delight for Kolkata residents, the West Bengal Government has announced setting up of ‘Silicon Valley Hub’ at New Town near the metropolis. The foundation stone of the Silicon Valley Hub was laid by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a recent ceremony. The whole project is spread across 100 acres of the area with companies like Reliance Jio and Infosys already stated a major investment here.
Speaking at the foundation ceremony, State Finance Minister Amit Mitra said, “The West Bengal government has also collaborated with Amazon Internet Service and FujiSoft for high-end IT solutions.”
Talking about the investment plans of Infosys and Reliance Jio, both the industry giants have already decided to set up their major centers here. As per a statement, Infy will come up with a world class Software development center designed by Hafeez Contractor. The whole project will be spread across 50 acres of the area which will initially employ around 1,000 engineers. “With an investment of Rs 100 crore in the first phase, the first phase of the project will be completed within 15 months from the date of obtaining all statutory clearances.” Infosys senior VP Ramdas Kamath said.
On the other hand, Reliance Jio will invest in Rs 1,000 crore for a 40-acre data planning center. According to a Reliance Jio press release, “This (project) marks the re-affirmation of our faith in Bengal. Once complete, it will showcase a paradigm shift in the technological progress in the state.”
After the foundation ceremony, CM Mamta Banerjee also took a meeting with top executives of the IT companies wherein she said, “People talk about Bangalore and Hyderabad, the advantage you are getting there we can offer them here.”
Looking after the response, she also directed IT Secretary Debasish Sen to arrange for another 100 acres for the phase 2 of the above IT hub in New Town-Rajarhat too.