By The Hindu Bureau

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With over 55,000 graduates produced annually by over 180 educational institutions, modern IT infrastructure, and a robust industrial base, Tiruchi is poised to emerge as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), according to a report, “Discover Tiruchi: India’s Emerging GCC Destination.”

The report was released at the inaugural edition of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Tiruchi Connect on Monday by Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko. It said the city had top quality institutions such as IIIT, IIM, and Bharathidasan University.

The report underlines Tiruchi’s unique blend of connectivity, affordability, and talent availability, making it highly suitable for GCCs. Tiruchi offers modern infrastructure, including facilities such as the TIDEL Park and ELCOT IT Park, which provide high-grade office space tailored for IT/ITES companies. The presence of industries such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), the railway workshop, and the Ordnance Factory was cited as a backbone supporting the city’s growth.

With its high quality of life, business-ready infrastructure, and growing reputation for innovation, Tiruchi is well on its way to becoming a preferred destination for the next wave of Global Capability Centres in India.

Highlighting Tiruchi’s strategic advantages, Mr. Durai Vaiko pointed to its central location in Tamil Nadu, strong transport connectivity, premier educational institutions, and robust industrial establishments. He said the proposed airport expansion would cater to increased domestic and international connectivity, enabling the use of wide-body aircraft and exclusive cargo carriers. The establishment of a dry port would open up global markets for agriculture and industry, creating large-scale employment opportunities in turn.

He said the gap between academia and industry expectations. “Although academia is evolving, industries are compelled to train recruits for over six to eight months to make them job-ready. Internships should be made mandatory from the third year and extended for a year to help students acquire practical knowledge and skills,” he said.

Calling for a collaborative approach to transform Tiruchi into a technology and services hub, Mr. Durai Vaiko urged stakeholders to drive digital transformation of MSMEs, adopt Artificial Intelligence, develop niche products, and attract GCCs to the city.

M. Balasubramaniam, CEO & MD of Stratinfinity, highlighted the role of fresh talent in GCC operations. “GCCs typically hire around 10 to 15% freshers to build a forming team, investing in them and nurturing their skills,” he said. He proposed organising a GCC CEO Conclave in January to bring global organisations to Tiruchi, providing them an opportunity to showcase the city’s infrastructure, educational institutions, and overall potential.

Ajay Jayaraj, Chairman, CII Tiruchi Zone, and Leo Ananth, Past Chairman of CII, spoke.