Apple likely to open Development Centre in Telangana: KTR

Global tech giant Apple Inc is expected to make an official announcement of opening their Development Centre here in June, Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao said on Thursday.

"They (Apple) have confirmed it (opening a centre in Hyderabad) already. There will be an official announcement in June. "Till that time, we will have to respect their choice (of not revealing details). They have chosen to make an announcement later," KTR told. Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana Secretary for IT Department, confirmed that the officials of the California, US-based technology company that owns popular consumer electronic brands such as iPhone and iPad, had already met the state government officials requesting their support for some of the clearances.

"They have already identified space in a building owned by Tishman Speyer at Nanakramguda. We are also extending support to the company in terms of obtaining necessary approvals from various departments," Ranjan said.

The official, however, did not specify the amount of investment that Apple is planning to make in the centre. KTR further said the city-based IT firm Cyient (formerly Infotech Enterprises) will be laying foundation stone for its centre at Warangal tomorrow. "Tomorrow, we have Cyient laying foundation stone for their centre in Warangal. It is expected to create about 1,000 new jobs in the next 12-18 months. "This is first time that a company of that size is going to a tier-II city. We are also hopeful that other big behemoths will also follow," he added. Replying to a query on the Metro Rail project, the minister said it will be operational tentatively from June.

Meanwhile, KTR who was also entrusted with Municipal Administration and Urban Development has announced action plan for the next 100 days for various developmental works in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and other urban civic bodies of the State.