Hyderabad Retains Core AI Work As Companies Add Capacity In Vizag

Hyderabad: Companies are keeping their main artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) teams in Hyderabad and adding smaller teams in Visakhapatnam for expansion linked to cost, land and graduate availability, according to city-level data released by ANSR.

The ANSR data shows Hyderabad continuing to host most core AI and ML work. The city has about 9.4 lakh technology professionals, which allows companies to run large teams that need experience and long-term continuity.

Hyderabad has a steady supply of new talent. The city produces over 60,000 graduates every year, including more than 40,000 from science, technology, engineering and management streams, the report shows. This makes it easier for companies to grow or replace teams without moving their main operations.

Pay levels reflect the kind of work based in the city. Average annual salaries for tech and digital roles in Hyderabad are around ₹21.1 lakh, according to ANSR. These roles include building and running AI systems, managing machine learning models, and supporting large data platforms.

Infrastructure is another factor, Hyderabad has a 69 km metro rail network with 57 stations, international airport connectivity, and established technology areas. Grade A office rents in the city range between ₹70 and ₹90 per sq ft per month, the data show.

While core teams stay in Hyderabad, companies are adding capacity in Visakhapatnam. Vizag has over 55,000 experienced tech professionals and produces around 30,000 graduates each year, according to the report.

Costs are lower in Visakhapatnam. While average tech salaries are about ₹13.2 lakh, and Grade A office rents range between ₹35 and ₹50 per sq ft per month, making it suitable for expansion teams linked to Hyderabad-based work.

The ANSR data also point to planned infrastructure in Vizag. A new IT corridor is planned across Tarluvada, Anandapuram and Bheemili, and 5,000 acres are proposed for IT parks near the upcoming Bhogapuram airport, with 754 acres already identified.

At the national level, ANSR data show India hosting over 174 Fortune Global 500 companies with global capability centres employing more than 9.5 lakh professionals. About 1.26 lakh of these roles are linked to artificial intelligence and machine learning.