Nagpur's Mihan SEZ Set for Major IT Expansion, Creating Over 150 New Jobs
In a significant boost to Nagpur's technology sector, the Mihan Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is poised to witness the creation of approximately 150 new employment opportunities. This development comes as two prominent IT firms, Virtual Galaxy and Essent, embark on expanding their operations within the central facility building (CFB) located in the IT-SEZ.
Virtual Galaxy Secures Approval for Expansion
Sources close to the development have confirmed that Virtual Galaxy has successfully acquired an additional 8,000 square feet of office space. The company has also obtained a formal Letter of Approval (LOA) from the Mihan SEZ commissioner's office, greenlighting its expansion plans. Notably, interviews for the new positions have already been conducted, with a clear preference given to candidates hailing from the Vidarbha region, thereby strengthening local employment prospects.
Essent's Proposal Under Active Consideration
Parallelly, Essent has initiated the process to secure an additional 8,000 square feet of space. Its proposal is currently under active review by the authorities, and formal approvals are anticipated to be finalized in the near future. Upon receiving the green signal, the company is expected to significantly scale up both its operational footprint and workforce from its Mihan base.
Mihan SEZ: A Hub for Major IT Players
The Mihan IT-SEZ is already home to several industry giants, including:
- Infosys
- TCS
- HCL
- Tech Mahindra
These companies collectively employ a substantial number of professionals. Beyond these large corporations, the SEZ also hosts a variety of mid-sized and smaller firms such as Hexaware, GlobalLogic, and Infocepts, contributing to a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Infrastructure Challenges and Industry Demands
Mihan is strategically divided into SEZ and non-SEZ areas. However, plots in the non-SEZ segment are now nearly exhausted, creating a significant hurdle for many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) eager to establish units within Mihan. Industry representatives have pointed out that plot prices within the SEZ are often prohibitively high for these smaller entrepreneurs.
While the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) is actively working to attract investments from aviation-sector companies into the SEZ, the lack of available non-SEZ plots has led industrial associations to voice a critical demand. They are advocating for the conversion of approximately 40% of the SEZ area into non-SEZ territory. This move, they argue, is essential to accommodate the growing number of MSMEs currently unable to secure space and to foster more inclusive industrial growth in the region.
The expansion by Virtual Galaxy and Essent not only promises to enhance the utilization of existing SEZ infrastructure but also underscores Nagpur's growing prominence as a key destination for IT and technology investments in Maharashtra.
