What was born as a quiet industrial zone by filling up a marshy expanse on the eastern fringes of Kolkata, Salt Lake Sector V has transformed itself into the nerve centre of eastern India's tech revolution in a few decades. It fuels the dreams of startups, powers global corporations in glass-clad skyscrapers, and pulses with the energy of thousands of young professionals converging here 24x7 to work, unwind, and connect.
To alleviate the population pressure on Kolkata, Salt Lake was primarily built under the initiative of the then CM Bidhan Chandra Roy by reclaiming the marshlands bordering the city as part of a township project. The term 'Salt Lake' derived from the area's history as a saltwater lake region, while 'Sector V' follows the township's grid-style nomenclature, where different sectors were numerically designated.
Initially envisioned as a dedicated zone for electronics manufacturing, the story of the 430 acres began with the establishment of the Salt Lake Electronics Complex by Webel in 1989. However, the sector quickly pivoted toward information technology due to its proximity to the airport and growing demand for IT and BPO services. By the early 2000s, it became home to over 200 IT and ITeS companies, including major players like Wipro, TCS, Globsyn, RS Software and Tech Mahindra. In addition to tech giants, several global BPO and KPO service providers such as Genpact, IBM and Cognizant operate from this sector.
Built as the state's first IT building, the Software Development Facility (SDF) marked the beginning of Sector V's tech journey. The influx of tech firms at the start of the new century attracted young professionals. The area's skyline soon featured modern office towers like Infinity Benchmark, Godrej Waterside, Software Technology Park of India, and Cognizant Techno Complex.
"Sector V has since grown into a vibrant hub of innovation, startups, and skilled talent. With its strategic location and expanding infrastructure, it continues to thrive. The area holds immense promise for further growth," said Alapan Bandyopadhyay, chairman of Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA).
As the professional crowd grew, there came an increasing demand for spaces to relax and socialise. Courtesy of IT firms and BPOs catering to the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, which deployed people on graveyard shifts, Sector V soon became popular as the city's only corner that never sleeps. Bars and restaurants soon became the hangout zones for young professionals after work. Over the years, pubs and lounges like Raize the Bar, Refinery, Capella at Altair, and 10 Downing Street became popular after-work destinations.
"Back in our time, Opium was the only choice. But over the years, the area became vibrant with a plethora of options," said Soumya Mukherjee, a techie who has worked at Sector V since 2006.
At Sector V, there is something for everyone. Asit Da's food stall outside Cognizant Techno Complex became the go-to place for freshers and senior techies alike, with beverages, snacks, and meals on offer at cheap rates. Prasanta-da's stall on Street 26 also was a saviour for night owls.
For those looking for options to unwind, there are options galore. If RDB Cinemas is the preferred spot for cine buffs, the dazzling new pedestrian plaza has become the favourite place for those looking for the perfect selfie or a social media reel. "The pedestrian plaza gives a Times Square-like feel. It's the perfect place for hangout where we often go to shoot Instagram reels and also catch up with friends," said Aritra Saha, a social media content creator who previously worked at a Sector V tech firm.
What truly sets Sector V apart is its inclusivity. While it has become synonymous with the young and the ambitious, the area offers something for all age groups, fostering a sense of community where people not only work but also build relationships and create memories. With the East-West Metro linking Sector V to Howrah across the city, and another Metro line connecting the airport to New Garia via Sector V, transportation in the tech township is expected to become much more convenient and accessible in the coming months.
"Sector V is possibly the most unique locality in the city, with a floating population of more than 2.5 lakh, which includes people of all ages. This township never sleeps. This is also possibly one of the safest localities, with women comprising almost 50% of the population, freely moving around even at the dead of night," said Kalyan Kar, co-founder at Predigt Business Solutions Pvt Ltd and vice-president of Sector V Stakeholders Association.
