The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, historically known for its rich culture, Nawabi heritage, and vibrant cuisine, is now making headlines for a very different reason: its rapid transformation into a leading Information Technology (IT) hub in North India. Over the past few months, the city has seen a surge in interest from national and multinational tech companies, several of which have already begun setting up operations here. Over the past six months, no fewer than four leading IT firms have set up operations in the city.
This includes major players such as Deloitte India and Genpact, both of which have publicly announced their expansion into the state capital.
The movement isn’t just symbolic, it represents a strategic decision by these companies to access a vast talent pool, reduce operational costs, and contribute to local development. Deloitte’s newly launched centre in Lucknow is projected to generate 800 to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in its first phase, with major expansion planned over the next five years.
These job roles will not only serve clients across India and the globe but will also support Deloitte’s partnerships with local academic and training institutions. The goal: to foster industry-ready talent through skill development programs, certifications, and internships. According to industry estimates, nearly 35% of Bengaluru’s IT workforce hails from Uttar Pradesh, especially from cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. The migration of UP’s tech talent to cities in southern India has been a long-standing trend.
However, with companies now setting up shop in Lucknow, the city is witnessing a reverse migration, with many professionals opting to return and work closer to home while enjoying similar job profiles and competitive salaries. Neha Jain, Special Secretary of the Department of IT and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Managing Director of UPDESCO, highlighted Lucknow’s strength in offering a robust and expanding technology ecosystem.
“Lucknow not only provides access to a large talent pool but also offers excellent connectivity through an international airport and an expanding metro network. The city’s infrastructure, supported by a strong cultural identity and diverse cuisine, makes it an ideal location for tech firms,” she said.
Additionally, the government is aggressively working to enhance digital infrastructure, including data centers, IT parks, and connectivity corridors, to support the inflow of companies. The Uttar Pradesh government’s IT policies have also contributed to creating a business-friendly environment, offering incentives for job creation, capital investment, and skill development.
Deloitte and Genpact Lead the Charge
Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, described Uttar Pradesh as one of the most rapidly developing states in India. “We see tremendous potential in Lucknow. Our expansion is driven by our belief in the region’s capabilities and our intent to contribute meaningfully to its economic and technological development,” he said.
Piyush Mehta, Chief Human Resource Officer and Country Manager at Genpact India, echoed a similar sentiment. He emphasized that Lucknow holds long-term strategic importance for Genpact. “We are confident that Lucknow has long held unexplored potential. Our aim goes beyond setting up an office, we’re working to create real impact through job creation, skill enhancement, and support for the local ecosystem,” he said.
The government is also evaluating the cascading impact of IT companies entering Lucknow. Officials say that the expansion of tech firms is likely to boost allied industries such as real estate, hospitality, education, and transportation.
For instance, more job opportunities will increase housing demand, prompting real estate growth. Training institutions and colleges are expected to benefit from academic partnerships and internships. Businesses in hospitality and food services also stand to gain from the influx of professionals and corporate events.
With robust government support, a growing ecosystem, and increasing interest from top-tier companies, Lucknow is steadily transforming into a prominent IT hub in North India. What once seemed unlikely is now a reality one where technology and tradition coexist in a city that continues to evolve without losing its soul.
