Pune Fast Emerging as GCC Hub, Likely to Cross 500 Centres by 2030

Pune, often called the Oxford of the East, is quickly turning into one of India’s most sought-after hubs for global capability centres (GCCs). Over the last five years, the number of GCCs in the city has jumped by nearly 70 percent, rising from 210 in 2019 to over 360 today, according to data from consulting firm Zinnov.

Experts say this growth is driven by Pune’s strong talent pool, lower operational costs compared to other metros, and its proximity to Mumbai. If the momentum continues, the number of GCCs in Pune is expected to cross 500 by 2030.

At the state level, Maharashtra already hosts more than 725 GCCs, with Pune attracting 12-15 percent of the new centres being set up every year.

Industry leaders point out that Pune is no longer just a back-office destination. Many centres here now handle high-value work such as global product development, AI-driven innovation, design, and customer success. “With 50,000 engineers graduating every year and top institutions like IISER, COEP, and Symbiosis, Pune offers a steady flow of skilled talent. Its ecosystem connects universities, startups, and global corporations, making it an attractive location,” said Karthik Padmanabhan of Zinnov.

Currently, Fortune 500 giants like Barclays, Mercedes-Benz Tech, Microsoft, and HSBC operate centres in the city. Pune’s biggest strengths lie in sectors like automotive engineering, industrial design, BFSI, and healthcare, with more than 60 automotive GCCs alone employing over one lakh engineers.

The city’s micro-markets also play a role in its rise. Hinjawadi and Magarpatta are popular for IT and engineering R&D, Kharadi and Viman Nagar for BFSI, while Chakan has become a hub for auto and industrial research.

Lower real estate costs add to Pune’s appeal. Office rentals are estimated to be 20-30 percent cheaper than Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and the city accounts for a significant share of GCC office leasing in India. The state government is also working on a dedicated GCC policy that will offer tax incentives, subsidies, and simplified approvals.

However, infrastructure challenges remain a concern. Traffic congestion, poor road maintenance, and civic issues in Hinjawadi IT Park have been flagged repeatedly, even by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who recently warned that companies may shift operations to Bengaluru and Hyderabad if conditions don’t improve.

Despite these hurdles, Pune’s balanced mix of cost advantages, talent depth, and sectoral expertise makes it a strong contender to emerge as a leading GCC hub in the years ahead.