Tamil Nadu is rapidly cementing its position as India’s next Global Capability Centre (GCC) powerhouse, with over 250 GCCs already operational across the state, according to the latest FICCI–ANAROCK report, “Real Estate & Infrastructure Driving Growth in Tamil Nadu.” The report was released at the FICCI Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit & Awards (REISA) 2025 in Chennai.
Chennai alone now commands 10% of India’s total GCC stock, making it one of the strongest GCC hubs in the country. After Chennai, Coimbatore has emerged among the top tier-2 cities preferred by global companies for GCC expansion.
The report highlights that Tamil Nadu—aiming to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030—is leveraging its strong industrial base, rapidly maturing services ecosystem, and deep R&D capabilities. With 750+ R&D institutes, Tamil Nadu is also the 2nd-most competitive location for electronic R&D globally.
Data Centre Momentum: Chennai & MMR Together Hold 70% of India’s DC Stock
Tamil Nadu’s data centre (DC) ecosystem is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Chennai and MMR collectively account for more than 70% of India’s data centre capacity, making them the country’s dominant DC locations.
Beyond Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai are now emerging as new DC hotspots, driven by demand from IT/ITeS players, hyperscalers, and GCCs.
The state also hosts 54 operational SEZs—the highest in India—and around 30 SIPCOT industrial parks, positioning it as a top destination for global manufacturing and technology majors.
Infrastructure Push Reinforces TN’s Economic Strategy
Infrastructure remains central to Tamil Nadu’s growth blueprint.
Bhupesh Nagarajan, Co-chairman – FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council, said:
“Expanding airports, seaports, industrial corridors, logistics parks, expressways, and metro networks are strengthening connectivity. Projects like the Parandur greenfield airport, Chennai Metro Phase II, and major highway upgrades will further cement Tamil Nadu’s role as an economic gateway.”
This infrastructure-led progress is reshaping business corridors and linking remote regions to growth centres.
Chennai Real Estate: Balanced Housing Market, Strong Office Demand
The report notes a consistently healthy performance across residential, office, and industrial/warehousing segments:
Residential Market:
- 83,100 units launched in Chennai between 2021–9M 2025
- 85,200 units sold in the same period
- Near-perfect alignment of supply and absorption
- Mid-segment (₹40–80 lakh) housing dominates with 43% share of new supply
Sanjay Chugh, Director & City Head – Chennai, ANAROCK Group, said:
“The supply–absorption alignment shows a balanced and resilient market with strong end-user participation.”
Office & Industrial:
Chennai continues to attract demand from technology firms, GCCs, engineering companies, and new-age enterprises. Industrial and warehousing activity remains steady due to diversified manufacturing, automotive clusters, and logistics connectivity.
Growth Beyond Chennai: Tier-2 Cities Rise
ANAROCK Chairman Anuj Puri highlighted the importance of growth beyond the capital:
“Tamil Nadu’s Tier-2 cities—Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Salem—are emerging as new economic centres. Their rise reflects the increasingly distributed nature of growth across the state.”
Coimbatore, in particular, stands out with rising GCC interest, upcoming DC capacity, and strong manufacturing roots.
Other Key Highlights from the Report
- Most urbanised state in India with 48% urbanization
- Attracted USD 3.68 billion FDI in FY25
- Received USD 17.29 billion cumulative FDI (Oct 2019–June 2025)
- 3rd-largest exporting state with ~USD 52 billion exports in FY25
- Known as the “EV capital of India” – manufacturing 70% of the country’s electric 2-wheelers
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