Sri City at 18 – Where Global Industry Meets India’s Growth Story

Driving the Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat

As Sri City celebrates its 18th Raising Day on August 8, it stands as one of India’s most remarkable industrial success stories. Conceived to accelerate development in a relatively underdeveloped region of Andhra Pradesh, Sri City has evolved into the country’s largest integrated business city, spanning 8,000 acres and hosting over 260 companies from 31 countries. With investments exceeding ₹53,000 crore, exports crossing ₹57,500 crore, and more than 75,000 direct jobs, Sri City exemplifies the transformative power of visionary planning and sustainable industrialisation.

Sri City has become a plug‑and‑play industrial hub representing the best of Make in India and Made in Andhra Pradesh. From automobiles, metro coaches, electronics, air conditioners and engineering products to food processing and consumer goods, global majors manufacture here for domestic and export markets. 

Reflecting on this extraordinary journey, Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Managing Director of Sri City, says:“Eighteen years on, Sri City has evolved from a bold vision into a globally recognised manufacturing hub, powered by investor confidence, workforce commitment and government support. We remain dedicated to Atmanirbhar Bharat and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a preferred global investment destination.”

India’s Cooling Capital

A defining feature of Sri City’s rise is its emergence as India’s “Cooling Capital.” Hosting ten major OEMs—including Daikin, Blue Star, Carrier, Havells Lloyd, Amber, and Epack Durable—alongside 30 specialised component firms, it has become the country’s largest cooling technology cluster. With employment expected to exceed 40,000 and production projected to contribute nearly 60% of India’s air‑conditioners by 2027, Sri City is positioning itself as a globally competitive hub for HVAC technologies.

Education and Knowledge Hub

Sri City’s transformation extends beyond manufacturing to education and knowledge creation. A region that once faced a significant shortage of quality educational opportunities now has a growing ecosystem of reputed English-medium schools and higher-education institutions. The presence of institutions such as IIIT Sri City, Krea University and IFMR Graduate School of Business has brought high-quality technical, liberal arts and management education closer to the region, while creating opportunities for interaction between academia and industry. The launch of Sri City International University on July 2, 2026, marks another significant step in this evolution. Envisioned as an institution closely connected to the needs of a rapidly changing industrial economy, the university is expected to strengthen industry-academia linkages, promote applied learning and research, and nurture a pool of skilled talent. Together, these institutions are helping Sri City emerge not merely as an industrial destination, but as a growing knowledge and talent hub capable of supporting the region’s long-term economic development.

Commitment Beyond Business

Sri City’s growth has been matched by a sustained commitment to surrounding communities. Through the Sri City Foundation, supported by 40-plus industrial partners, CSR initiatives have mobilised over ₹61 crore since 2009 across education, healthcare, infrastructure, skilling and environmental sustainability. These efforts include upgrading government schools, medical and health camps, drinking-water and sanitation projects, vocational training, community libraries, and restoration of green spaces and water bodies. More than 5,000 local youth have received skill training, while CSR interventions continue to improve livelihoods and quality of life. They have also contributed to greater women’s empowerment, improved school participation and stronger community resilience, creating opportunities that extend well beyond employment.

Speaking on this commitment, Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, said: “Beyond industrial growth, our priority has always been to create shared value for surrounding communities. Through sustained CSR partnerships, we are investing in education, healthcare, skills, infrastructure and the environment—empowering people and building resilient communities for the long term.” This integrated approach has evolved as a long-term, community-centred regional development, demonstrating how industrial growth can go hand in hand with inclusive and sustainable social progress, he added.

Reflecting this spirit of community responsibility, the Sri City Foundation, in association with NTR Trust, Tirupati, marked Sri City’s 18th Raising Day by organising a blood donation camp on Saturday. The initiative received an overwhelming response from employees of several industries, including Axxelent Pharma, TIL Healthcare, NGC, THK, Rockworth, and others.

Road Ahead

With Andhra Pradesh allocating an additional 2,000+ acres for expansion, Sri City represents a blueprint for India’s next phase of manufacturing‑led growth—combining global competitiveness with social inclusion and environmental responsibility. From a regional aspiration to a globally connected powerhouse, Sri City is poised to remain at the forefront of Atmanirbhar Bharat, shaping the industrial future of both Andhra Pradesh and the nation.