Job portal and professional networking platform LinkedIn has released its first-ever Cities on the Rise in India list, highlighting 10 emerging non-metro cities that are showing strong growth in employment opportunities and economic activity. This list is designed to help job seekers explore new cities with potential for career growth and relocation.
In a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam (Vizag) and Vijayawada have secured top spots in the rankings. Vizag leads the list at number one, followed by Vijayawada in third place, confirming both cities as rising hubs of employment and industry.
Vizag has been steadily transforming into a major industrial and tech hub. The state government’s focus on bringing in tech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and data-driven enterprises has played a key role. Companies such as Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Miracle Software Systems, and Laurus Labs are among the leading employers driving this growth.
Vijayawada, known for its cultural legacy, is now evolving into a business and IT destination. With its proximity to Amaravati, the city is drawing investments from companies like HCL Tech, Infosys, and TCS. To meet the growing needs, the government is planning metro services and airport expansion.
This development is seen as a result of the NDA government’s policy of maintaining one capital with decentralized development, moving away from the previous YSRC government’s three-capital plan.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, reacting on X, said:“I’m delighted that Vizag and Vijayawada have secured the first and third spots in LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise report. Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a hub of talent and opportunity.”
According to LinkedIn, the rankings are based on exclusive data, including hiring trends, job creation, talent inflow, and professional migration. Companies like TCS and Cognizant are already setting up new campuses in these cities. Upcoming projects like Quantum Valley and an AI University in Andhra Pradesh are also expected to generate hundreds of new jobs and innovation opportunities.
In his closing statement, CM Naidu posted: “Andhra Pradesh is rapidly positioning itself as India’s next major hub for IT and advanced technologies.”
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