Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has stirred up an interesting conversation on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he suggested that India is ready for its own version of Shenzhen—China’s tech and manufacturing powerhouse.
Shenzhen, located in Guangdong province, is ranked as an Alpha city by the Globalisation and World Cities Research Network. It’s not only one of the largest economies in the world but also a symbol of China’s rapid industrialisation and urban development. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into a global hub for innovation, manufacturing, and finance—earning it the nickname “China’s Silicon Valley.”
In his post, Anand Mahindra said, “It’s time for a Shenzhen equivalent city in India…”—a clear call to action for India to build a competitive city that can rival global tech and industrial centers.
It’s time for a Shenzhen equivalent city in India….
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 12, 2025
Netizens pour in suggestions
Mahindra’s post sparked a wave of responses from users across the country, many throwing in their ideas for which Indian city could rise to the occasion. Here’s a glimpse of the reactions:
One user, tagging Grok and Perplexity, asked, “Does Amarvathi new build capital in Andhra Pradesh have potentiality?”
Another chimed in with a comparison, saying, “geographically Hyderabad is better than shenzhen …but need to improvise ..in some areas…”
On the topic of government policy, one user offered a strong opinion: “Pretty much possible if all the governments stop giving freebies!” And followed it up with: “Give free basic food, shelter, medical requirements, and simpler opportunities if they want to upgrade, but all the freebies should be stopped,”
A user who saw potential on the east coast said, “I think Machilipatnam in AP has the similarities of Shenzhen, China. It’s on the east coast, in the middle of the country, next to amaravathi, vast human resources who want to transform from agri to other sectors, ready to switch. A similar case of how Shenzhen brought up.”
Others pointed out existing cities that could fit the bill. One comment read: “Corruption & red tape stifle progress, but Pune can be India’s Shenzhen! With its thriving IT hubs like Hinjewadi, skilled talent pool, and solid infra, Pune’s ready to lead as a tech-manufacturing hub. Let’s streamline policies & invest in urban planning to make it happen!”
Someone else admired the structure of a well-planned city, saying, “A planned city like Chandigarh is a dream & to convert it like Shenzhen a bigger one. If Anand Mahindra ji can dream of it, he can make it happen too.”
Meanwhile, another voice championed the industrial growth in the north, claiming, “Noida is the right choice to be pushed as a Shenzhen equivalent for India, It has everything available from vast electronics manufacturing system to components ecosystem to semiconductor research presence.”
Interestingly, the name Machilipatnam appeared again in the conversation, with a user doubling down: “I think Machilipatnam in AP has the similarities of Shenzhen, China. It’s on the east coast, in the middle of the country, next to amaravathi, vast human resources who want to transform from agri to other sectors, ready to switch. A similar case of how Shenzhen brought up.”
