How Visakhapatnam Made It To Cognizant’s India Expansion Map

In this episode of Andhra Pradesh 360 podcast , we speak with Gaurav Hazra, Vice President & Head – Government Affairs, Asia Pacific, Cognizant, on the company’s strategic decision to invest ₹1,583 crore in a new multi-phase campus in Visakhapatnam. Scheduled to be developed in three phases by 2033, the facility will begin construction in 2026, employ 3,000 associates by early 2029, and eventually scale up to a seating capacity of 8,000. Hazra explains how global technology firms are rethinking expansion beyond traditional metros and why tier-two cities like Visakhapatnam are emerging as powerful talent hubs. From talent availability and long-term political stability to infrastructure readiness and government vision, he outlines the key factors that shaped Cognizant’s decision-making process. The conversation also highlights how remote work trends post-Covid have accelerated this shift, enabling companies to go where talent already exists and build anchor facilities for future growth. As Andhra Pradesh positions itself as a competitive destination for global technology investments, this discussion offers valuable insight into how industry and government alignment can shape the next phase of India’s digital and employment-led growth.