HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Telangana into a $1 trillion economy within the next decade, emphasizing that the state is positioning itself on a global stage rather than merely competing with neighboring regions. Speaking at the inauguration of Cognizant's new campus in Kokapet, Reddy highlighted that Telangana's competition is with the world, not just neighboring states.
"No neighboring state boasts a city like Hyderabad or an environment like Telangana," Reddy stated. He addressed concerns about competition with Andhra Pradesh, asserting that the real competition lies on a global scale. He mentioned the development of a new Fourth City, designed to meet international needs.
Reddy detailed Telangana's strategic approach, which includes three key rings: the core urban inner ring of Hyderabad, a semi-urban second ring geared toward manufacturing, and rural areas beyond the Regional Ring Road (RRR), which will be developed into some of Asia's best villages.
Expressing strong support for Cognizant, which employs around 60,000 people in Hyderabad, Reddy anticipated the company’s workforce would soon reach 100,000. He commended Cognizant for its role in addressing unemployment in Telangana and praised the historical development of Hyderabad, acknowledging contributions from past leaders like former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, former Chief Ministers Nedurumalli Janardhan Reddy, N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, Special Chief Secretary for IT and Industries Jayesh Ranjan, and Cognizant CEO S. Ravi Kumar also attended the event. Sridhar Babu announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art “AI city” to integrate disruptive technologies into governance and industry, ensuring Telangana remains at the forefront of technological advancement. He highlighted Hyderabad's progress, noting Cognizant’s growth from 182 employees in 2002 to 60,000 today, and praised the city for its global recognition and thriving work culture.