Chandigarh region’s software exports grow 31 percent

CHANDIGARH - Software exports from Chandigarh and its adjoining towns of Panchkula and Mohali grew 31 percent to cross Rs.1,050 crore in 2008-09, compared to Rs.800 crore the year before. Growth results released by officials here said that software exports in the union territory, particularly from the Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park here, rose from Rs.504 crore in 2007-08 to Rs.750 crore last year.

Chandigarh’s growth alone was nearly 50 percent.

The technology park, set up here four years ago, provides employment to over 10,000 IT professionals and indirect employment to nearly 30,000 people.

While IT giant Infosys already has a big campus here, those of Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra and others are nearing completion. These are likely to start operations later this year.

Infrastructure major DLF has also leased out space to smaller software companies at the tech park here.

Nearly 300 IT companies have their base in the tri-city area.