Lucknow: CM Yogi Lays Foundation for HCL IT City Phase 2 on 10th Anniversary

Commemorating a transformative decade of technological partnership and economic modernization in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the foundation stone for HCL IT City Phase 2 during a landmark ceremony celebrating the 10th anniversary of HCL's Lucknow operations on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Highlighting the profound reversal of brain drain across the region, the Chief Minister remarked that Lucknow has evolved from an overlooked administrative center into a preferred destination for ambitious professionals from across Uttar Pradesh and around the globe. Celebrating the mutual journey of growth between the tech giant and the state, the Chief Minister observed that the thriving corporate ecosystem not only stands as a testament to the dedication of tech employees but also fulfills the aspirations and sacrifices of parents across the state while placing Lucknow firmly on the international IT map.

Reversing the Brain Drain: Local Youth and Global Talent Choose Lucknow

The state's professional landscape has undergone a sweeping structural transition over the past ten years:

• From Exodus to Inward Migration: A decade ago, fresh graduates from Uttar Pradesh had little choice but to relocate to established technology hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai to secure viable corporate careers; today, young professionals choose to build long-term tech careers right in Lucknow while attracting skilled talent from across India and abroad.

• Fearless Workplace Safety for Women: Highlighting enhanced law enforcement and women's empowerment, the Chief Minister underscored that female professionals in Uttar Pradesh now work late-night and overnight corporate shifts without hesitation, returning home securely under an overhauled security apparatus.

• Dismantling Criminal Impunity: Reflecting on the law-and-order turnaround, the Chief Minister pointed out that anti-social elements and extortionists who once intimidated public officials now retreat at the sight of a police patrol, ensuring zero tolerance for harassment against women.

Transitioning Beyond IT Services: Lucknow's Blueprint for AI and Deep Tech

The second phase of HCL IT City is positioned to anchor the next decade of advanced technological innovation:

• Expanding into Sunrise Frontiers: The next ten years will focus on evolving Lucknow beyond standard IT maintenance and business services into an innovation powerhouse for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor design, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and deep tech.

• Harnessing India's Youngest Workforce: Backed by the world's most fertile agricultural land and India's youngest demographic dividend, Uttar Pradesh's vast, digitally skilled talent pool forms the core engine powering the state's industrial transformation.

• Next-Generation R&D Facilities: The expansion under Phase 2 will construct advanced technological infrastructure to incubate high-value product engineering, patent development, and specialized global delivery centers.

From Neglect and Power Scarcity to 1 Million Public Appointments

Drawing a sharp contrast with historical governance challenges, the address detailed the structural changes achieved across state infrastructure:

• Reclaiming the Spirit of 'Muskuraiye Aap Lucknow Mein': Recalling the historic phrase "Smile, you are in Lucknow", the Chief Minister pointed out that the tagline was once overshadowed by civic neglect, poor sanitation, parallel mafia syndicates, and a complete absence of youth employment avenues.

• Democratizing Power and Ending Mafia Control: Unstable electricity supply was formerly treated as an exclusive privilege reserved for politically connected families, whereas 24x7 grid modernization now powers industrial corridors uniformly across urban and rural zones.

• Decisive Employment Milestones: Overcoming past economic stagnation, the state administration has delivered transparent, merit-based government appointments to 1 million young individuals over the past nine and a half years, eliminating employment bottlenecks and restoring institutional credibility.