Vijayawada: In a move to transform barren lands into an innovation hub, a group of US-based IT professionals and financial experts have decided to develop a dedicated IT project near Tirupati. The initiative, named Pelican Valley IT Park, is expected to become the next IT hub in southern AP. Conceived as a transformative private initiative, the project is designed to create a world-class ecosystem for technology, innovation, and employment aimed at bridging the gap between industry demand and untapped potential of thousands of skilled graduates from the region.The NRI promoters have already acquired about 20 acres of land and got the developmental plans cleared by the Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA). “Situated at Vedurupattu crossroad between Sullurupeta and Naidupeta along the Chennai-Kolkata national highway (NH-16), Pelican Valley offers exceptional strategic advantages. The location ensures seamless connectivity to major south Indian cities — Chennai, Bengaluru, and Tirupati. It is also close to key industrial and educational centres such as IIT-Madras, IIT-Tirupati, ISRO facility at Sriharikota, and Sri City SEZ. With its affordable housing options and minimal congestion, Pelican Valley will offer employees the chance to enjoy a better quality of life without compromising career growth,” said project promoter Vani Kunisetty.Pelican Valley IT Park is backed by a consortium of private investors, mostly NRIs, with a clear mission to generate sustainable, well-paying jobs for underemployed graduates and to create an environment that combines operational efficiency for employers with a balanced, stress-free lifestyle for employees. Kunisetty said they want to develop the project as south India’s most dynamic white-collar employment hub, where affordability, innovation, and social impact can converge.The project’s first phase covers 20 acres of land, already acquired and zoned by the Tirupati Urban Development Authority for vertical development. This zoning allows for high-density IT infrastructure and commercial complexes that can grow vertically and expand outward as demand accelerates.Project managing director MV Rao said India’s employment landscape is marked by a paradox. “Millions of graduates remain unemployed or underpaid despite a booming IT industry facing a shortage of trained manpower. Pelican Valley plans to bridge the gap by offering customised, project-based training focused on real-world skills rather than theoretical knowledge. Training programmes will be tailored to individual capabilities, ensuring that graduates are industry-ready and confident. Partner companies will be invited to conduct recruitment drives directly on campus, linking education, training, and employment in one seamless continuum,” explained Rao.Beyond job creation, Pelican Valley has readied plans to become a centre of technological innovation, he said, adding that future development plans include incubation centres for startups, R&D and innovation facilities, and dedicated office spaces for both product and service-based IT firms. The park will actively collaborate with IITs, universities, and leading corporate partners to encourage research partnerships, internships, and collaborative projects that nurture creativity and entrepreneurship.
