TCS to set up 1,500-crore learning centre in Kerala

Kerala's IT sector, which is still going through uncertainties about the SmartCity project promoted by UAE-based Tecom, has landed a prestigious investment with TCS signing up for a mega learning centre at the state capital. The 1,500-crore global learning centre of TCS will come up at the Technocity, close to the Technopark Thiruvanthapuram. Kerala IT department officials said a lease deed was signed for 83 acres and TCS had made the initial down payment of 75.3 crore. TCS director and CFO S Mahalingam said the centre would train and accommodate 15,000 employees at any time. He said the company would have an iconic and landmark campus at Technocity. Chief minister VS Achuthanandan had handed over the government order, sanctioning the land at Technocity to TCS CEO N Chandrasekharan in September. Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander said this was the biggest land deed signed in the history of Technopark, and that construction would start within 12 months and was expected to be completed in 48 months. Simultaneously, TCS is expected to commence construction of its development centre at the Technopark Phase-I SEZ. Officials said the TCS facility would be a benchmark for corporate learning institutions in terms of the physical infrastructure as well as the holistic professional and personal development programmes that will be available. The campus infrastructure will include classrooms, auditoriums, computer labs, a library, cafeterias, accommodation facilities, recreational and shopping areas.