Contrasting realties of Indian metropolises never fail to amuse, and Hyderabad is no exception. The city that houses the iconic Charminar, the Golconda Fort and several other antiquities, also holds the new-world expertise to build some of the finest aviation technology in the world. Having visited the capital of India’s youngest state Telangana (formed in 2014) for the third time, I was surprised to learn that the cabin of US President Barack Obama’s Sikorsky S-92 chopper and even components of ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) craft to Mars are in fact manufactured in Hyderabad.
Up until 2007, Bengaluru steered the way in Indian aerospace since many years, with the powerful foundation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The state of affairs began to change nine years ago, with the inception of Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) facility in Adibatla near Hyderabad. TASL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, that extends the group’s business operations to the aerotechnology and defence sector. This opened doors to further investments that have as of 2014 crossed the ₹4,000 crore mark. The latest industry policy of Telangana expressed the government’s keen interest in making Hyderabad the hub for aerotechnology in the country. This further invited around 1,000 small and medium sized enterprises, that are currently engaged in the manufacturing of aerospace components. The city, with its plethora of IT firms that cater to this segment, has a further advantage of in-house service.
The investment influx caught the eye of many aerospace heavyweights of the world. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Boeing signed a strategic framework agreement to collaborate in the sphere of aerospace and defence manufacturing. The two, as a team are also exploring the potential of developing integrated systems. “For the first time, Boeing will develop high-end aerospace and defence sector technology in India, which will cater to the global markets. TASL will get significant work packages in the aerospace-defence manufacturing space. It is a great opportunity to explore the massive potential in India for aerospace manufacturing,” says Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
The exploration of this potential is also attributed to the city’s spatial advantage. Landing into GMR Hyderabad International Airport, I could see vast expanses of land stretch out into the horizon. Hyderabad has always had an advantage of area, a key influencer in attracting aerotechnology stalwarts to the city. The wave of investments is also an outcome of the realisation that a 2.5 lakh acre land bank is readily available for the setting up of aerospace facilities. Spread across 251 acres besides the city’s international airport is a Special Economic Zone operated by GMR, a dedicated facility being offered to international and domestic players looking to set up their operations in India.
“GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park was conceived in line with the growing aerospace and defence sectors in India. With the reinvigorated focus on aerospace, defence and overall progressive governmental efforts towards promoting the manufacturing sector within India, GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park is poised to bring in more investments into the country. Leveraging on GMR’s expertise and the favourable industrial policies of central and state governments, we are in discussions with several prospective companies in aerospace and defence sectors to establish their facilities at the park,” says SGK Kishore, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL).
He adds, “It’s no doubt that the capital of Telangana is gradually turning into an aviation hub. Hyderabad airport is located strategically at the geographical centre of India, within two hours flying time to all major Indian cities. It is also well positioned globally within a four-hour radius from most of Middle East and South East Asia. Additionally, Hyderabad with its emerging industrial base, growing infrastructure and ready availability of skilled manpower provides strategic advantages to investors. This ecosystem is also instrumental in aiding the multi-billion dollar maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector in the city. Leveraging this strength, Air India has recently set up its MRO at the aerospace park.”
Currently, nine companies, including the domestic powerhouse Air India, have invested in this Special Economic Zone. Hyderabad’s tactical benefits have also managed to rope in Pratt & Whitney, a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. The company has set up their India customer training centre in this aerospace park, last September. Around 300 aircraft in the country are powered by Pratt & Whitney, and this number is on the rise with a new family of engines entering service with airlines such as GoAir, IndiGo and Air Costa. “Hyderabad is a key location for many of the aircraft operators in this region and we are pleased to bring training nearer to them. Building on Pratt & Whitney’s world class East Hartford and Beijing training facilities, this third facility in Hyderabad will satisfy the training demand in a fast emerging market like India,” says Palash Roy Chowdhury, country manager & managing director, India, Pratt & Whitney.
In November last year, the Telangana government announced the inception of another 1,000-acre aerospace park, close to Adibatla’s Special Economic Zone. The latest industry policy has clearly identified the aerospace industry as a core industry of this Deccan state, and is offering enticing incentives for investors, to bid against Bengaluru’s position as India’s foremost aircraft manufacturer. ““Make in India” is a good strategic approach by the Government of India. To further bolster India’s manufacturing, the creation of several Special Economic Zones (SEZ) must be stepped up. The foreign investors will also have to be wooed with liberal laws and business-friendly conditions,” says Singh of TASL. “Government of Telangana is drawing up plans to convert the state into a hub for defence and the aerospace industry, which is certainly helpful for GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park. For the last seven decades, the industry has witnessed several ground-breaking technological breakthroughs such as the Mars Orbiter Mission. The recent increase in the FDI to 49 per cent is also expected to lead to a new era of industrial growth, which may be at par with the fastest growing economies of the world. In line with the government’s “Make in India” strategy, GMR’s Aerospace Park offers a right mix of infrastructural support to businesses, enabling manufacturing and services opportunities within the country,” says SGK Kishore of GMR.
It is no doubt that the Indian aerospace industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Its rapid growth has made it the cynosure of global aerospace, inviting international and domestic players to invest on Indian soil. With the highest number of Special Economic Zones, Hyderabad is definitely beguiling. Add that to it being India’s sixth largest metropolis, with a heritage of six centuries, and what we have is a city that’s not only ideal for business and foreign investment, but also a cosmopolitan hub for young India. According to a recent study by Mercer’s Quality of Living Report, Hyderabad ranked as India’s most liveable city. Apart from its skyrocketing aerospace industry, the city also prides itself with the Information and Technology bigwigs of the world, and is also powering ahead in pharmaceuticals, entertainment, tourism and the automotive sectors. Hyderabad is also home to some of the finest educational institutions of India, such as the Indian School of Business and indian Institute of Technology. This explains the high standards in manpower, as graduates are accustomed to all that Hyderabad has to offer and choose to find employment in the city.
GETTING AROUND
It isn’t easy to find an official taxi in Hyderabad, unless you pre-book using Ola Cabs, Uber or TaxiForSure, which is advisable here. Iconic rickshaws are adventurous, but do make sure they charge you by the meter. The underway Hyderabad Metro Rail project, estimated to be up and running by 2017, will simplify travel within the city, connecting 66 stations across three lines.
WHAT TO SEE?
Hyderabad’s relationship with royalty is a long-standing one. Its relics date back to the various kingdoms whose emperors patronised art and encouraged the state to flourish in spheres of culture, literature, architecture and music. Ruins of these empires can be found across this city, creating a vivid contrast that doesn’t take away from the modernity of this Deccan city. Begin a tryst with history at the Golconda Fort, that was the seat of the independent state of Golconda ruled by the Qutb Shahi dynasty of the 12th century. A stipend entrance fee takes you to the palaces, gardens and chambers of this colossal structure that houses remains of this princely citadel. For a panoramic view of the city’s splendour, make a trek to the top of the monument. At 120 metres high, relics of Qutb Shahi tombs near-by and the glimpses of modern Hyderabad at a distance are quite captivating. When Golconda witnessed its downfall, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah moved his state’s capital to Hyderabad, building the iconic Charminar, that until today stands as the ultimate symbol of the city. Literally translating to four towers, the exquisite minarets of the imposing structure add an imperial charm to the bustling market place around. Visit the Laad Bazaar after, that branches out of one of the streets near the Charminar for a quintessential street-shopping experience.
A visit to Hyderabad is incomplete without venturing into its culinary facet. The dynasties’ royal cuisine is a heritage that’s transcended through the centuries into kitchens of contemporary Hyderabad. An amalgamation of Mughal, Turkish and Arabic flavours, the dishes are cooked using the slow-simmering method, which accentuates the aromas of the spices and condiments used. Take a trip to Paradise, a restaurant with branches across the city, to indulge in the finest Hyderabadi biryani, kebabs and curries in the city.
WHERE TO STAY?
Taj Falaknuma Palace
With 60 luxurious rooms, the Taj Falaknuma Palace is Hyderabad’s iconic property. The hotel resonates with opulence with grand fountains, a large staircase and Venetian chandeliers. The room categories are: Luxury rooms, Palace rooms, Historical rooms, Royal suites, Grand Royal suites and Grand Presidential suite. Taj Falaknuma Palace is the preferred destination for high-profile Indian weddings with its enchanting ballroom that also hosts discerning corporate events. The hotel is conveniently located at about 3km from the Charminar and about 10km from the Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. It houses five restaurants, a Hookah lounge, Taj’s signature Jiva spa, swimming pool and a library. Complimentary unlimited wifi is provided in the rooms up-to two devices.
Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
Well-connected to Hyderabad International Convention Centre and a 45-minute driving distance to the city’s international airport, the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre is a prominent property, especially known for its large-scaled corporate events. The hotel hosts conferences in the city’s state-of-the-art convention centre and also hosts business events at its banquet halls. Novotel offers premium amenities to travellers across its 287 rooms that range as: Superior rooms, Junior suites, Executive suites and Deluxe suites. Complimentary unlimited internet, a 24-hour gym, three restaurants, two bars and a business friendly location (it’s close to Gachibowli Financial District) make it the ideal property for the frequent corporate traveller.
Park Hyatt Hyderabad
Situated in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, the Park Hyatt is about 10km from HITEC, the IT hub of the city. With 185 rooms, 24 suites and 43 serviced apartments, the hotel offers the business traveller with secretarial service, foreign exchange facility, 24 hour laundry service, valet parking, 24-hour gym along with the finest in-room amenities. The hotel also houses a spa, a temperature controlled swimming pool, salon services, three restaurants, two bars. Long-stay corporate travellers can choose to stay at the serviced apartments equipped with facilities designed to offer a very homely experience. The Park Hyatt also has an extensive meetings and events space that is hired for weddings and corporate affairs frequently.
