The past two decades marked the emergence of Information Technology as the fastest growing industry in India. As a result, several Indian cities have become IT hubs fostered by tremendous growth and creation of job opportunities. The Central government and most of the state governments in India are actively encouraging the development of IT bringing plethora of companies to start their offshore development centers in India. On comparison of the various power houses of IT, few cities have the right atmosphere and balance to be chosen to work and life. Out of which the southern city Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala is one among the standout cities to be sought for living.
So, what makes Trivandrum a better place than the other IT hubs in India? Trivandrum is the epicenter of the India’s largest IT Park, Technopark established in 1995 and houses several International IT organizations. Technopark received excellent support from the Kerala State Government to revolutionize Kerala as a go to IT destination.
In addition to the IT giants, Technopark Technology Business Incubator (T-TBI) promotes startups in the state by providing a healthy environment for budding entrepreneurs. How big is Technopark? Technopark spans over 300 acres hosts 290 IT and ITES companies employing over 42,500 employees and is currently in expansion mode with Phase 3 campus of 92 acres, Technocity of 40 acres and Technopark Kollam.
Let’s compare some factors that brings this Trivandrum to the frontline.
• Cost of Living Index- When compared with the IT hubs Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, the cost of living is less in Trivandrum. The Cost of living indices are measured based on Consumer prices, Rent prices, Restaurant prices, Groceries prices, and Local Purchasing power. For maintaining the same lifestyle you need around Rs.54000 in Trivandrum when compared to Rs.69000 in Hyderabad, Rs.74000 in Chennai and Rs.81000 in Bangalore.
• Health Care System Index – Trivandrum offers affordable medical services when compared with other cities. The Healthcare system index is 66.01 in Bangalore, 65.69 in Chennai, 66.76 in Hyderabad and 71.53 in Trivandrum. This is measured based on Medical staff skill and competency, Speed in completing examination and reports, Modern diagnosis and treatment equipment, Friendliness and courtesy of staff, convenient location, etc.
• Transportation and Traffic Index – Transportation charges in Trivandrum is based on the type of service you opt for. The minimum charges in Volvo low floor service buses is Rs.15 and it is Rs.7 in other local buses. The traffic index for Bangalore is 227.20, Chennai is 165.38, and Hyderabad is 221.89 whereas it is 127.80 for Trivandrum. The traffic comparison is done based on parameters such as Traffic Index, Time Index, Time Exp. Index, Inefficiency Index, and CO2 Emission Index.
• Pollution Index – The Pollution Index in Bangalore is 76.13, Chennai is 74.50, and Hyderabad is 82.74 whereas in Trivandrum it is 63.48. This is measured based on Air pollution, Water pollution, Noise pollution, and Cleanliness of the city.
• Property Prices Index – Property prices are way too high in cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad compared to Trivandrum. The Price to Income Ratio is 8.39 in Bangalore, 14.84 in Chennai, 6.46 in Hyderabad whereas 8.49 in Trivandrum.
• Quality of Life Index –The Quality of Life index in Bangalore is 90.25, Hyderabad is 87.64, and Chennai is 73.41 while in Trivandrum it is 115.50. This is measured based on Purchasing Power Index, Safety Index, Health Care Index, Consumer Price Index, Traffic Commute Time Index, Pollution Index, and Property Price to Income ratio.
Considering all these factors, it is wise to choose a city that provides you a better lifestyle and fits your monthly budget. If you are an IT employee looking for employment, closely watch out your budgeting needs before choosing your city of employment.
Do let us know your views on why you feel Trivandrum is better place than other IT hubs in India