TIDEL Neo Park to come up in Nagapattinam
Nagapattinam district will soon have a TIDEL Neo–Mini TIDEL Park, expected to create 600 direct jobs and generate indirect employment for about 2,000 people. Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa formally announced the project in the State Assembly on April 25.
The park will be established on a six-acre site at Sellur in the town, aimed at expanding IT opportunities beyond metropolitan centres. With cost advantages and relatively low salary expectations compared to urban hubs, small cities like Nagapattinam are becoming attractive destinations for IT and ITES firms.
Officials said Nagapattinam's micro economy was anchored in agriculture, fishing, tourism, salt production, and small-scale industries like dry fish processing and candle making. The integration of IT into these sectors is expected to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and modernisation. Fishing, in particular, is evolving into a growth sector, offering opportunities for technological transformation and greater youth engagement.
Talent pool
The district's labour force participation rate is slightly above the State average, with strong representation in food processing, banking and financial services (BFSI), healthcare, construction, and tourism. The presence of a diverse workforce is seen as a major advantage for industries looking to integrate digital solutions into traditional business models.
Each year, Nagapattinam produces over 6,000 graduates across disciplines, including 3,185 from Arts and Science colleges, 1,650 from engineering colleges, 1,000 from B.Ed programmes, and 240 from MBA courses. A significant proportion of these students specialise in computer science, commerce, management, and core engineering fields. Additionally, neighbouring districts such as Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal contribute more than 12,000 graduates annually, further strengthening the region's talent pool.
Officials said the TIDEL Neo Park is aimed at not only generating employment but also to retain skilled youth within the district, reduce migration to urban centres, and stimulate inclusive regional development. The project is expected to drive digital transformation in traditional industries while lower operating costs add to the district's appeal for new business ventures.
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