Indian IT major Infosys Technologies (Infosys) on Thursday announced the expansion of its operation in Thiruvananthapuram.

The company inaugurated its first Software Development Block (I) at its Technopark Campus II (SEZ) in Kerala’s capital, Infosys said in a statement.

This facility was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan. Leader of the opposition Oommen Chandy was also present on the occasion.

The Software Development Block (I) inaugurated at the Technopark Campus II (SEZ), has the capacity to seat 1,600 employees. This block has seen an investment of Rs 180 crore till date.

This includes a food court, recreational facilities for employees, chiller building, diesel generation block, water storage and treatment facility, sewage treatment plant and roads. The IT major’s second campus at Technopark Campus II (SEZ) is spread over 50 acres and will be developed over a period of five years in a phased manner. A 1,800 seater Software Development Block (II) is also currently under construction at this campus.

“ The state government has invested and worked towards enhancing infrastructure facilities at Thiruvananthapuram to make it a premier IT destination globally. We are very encouraged by this development and the support provided to Infosys,” said Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO and MD, Infosys Technologies.

“Kerala has a large pool of highly qualified professionals and the availability of quality manpower has been an impetus for us to expand operations in the state,” Mr Gopalakrishnan said.

Infosys started its operations in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2004. The campus at Technopark (STP) seats over 1,500 employees.

Infosys’ campuses in the city exported business worth Rs 427.79 crore and contributed 18 per cent to Kerala’s exports in the financial year 2009-2010, the statement said.