Amazon India is reportedly relocating its headquarters from the iconic World Trade Centre in Bengaluru to a new office closer to Kempegowda International Airport. This move, according to a report by Mint, is part of the company’s broader cost-cutting efforts as it seeks to optimize expenses in a challenging business environment.
The shift marks a significant change for Amazon India, which has called the World Trade Centre home since its inception. Amazon occupies a substantial portion of the building, with 18 of the 30 floors dedicated to the company, housing around 5,300 employees. The headquarters in the World Trade Centre has long been a symbol of Amazon’s commitment to the Indian market, but the move to a more cost-efficient location reflects the company’s efforts to rein in operational costs.
As per reports, Amazon’s new office will be located in a Sattva-developed property situated just a 15-minute drive from Kempegowda International Airport. The relocation, expected to be completed by April 2026, is a strategic decision aimed at slashing real estate expenses. Sources indicated that the new office space will cost less than a third of the rent Amazon currently pays at the World Trade Centre, allowing the company to significantly reduce its overheads.
This move comes at a time when many global corporations and Indian startups are making tough decisions to streamline operations and curb spending. Over the past two years, companies across industries have resorted to multiple rounds of workforce reductions, office closures, and other cost-saving measures. Amazon’s decision to relocate its headquarters aligns with a wider trend of corporate restructuring and expense management.
The move to a more affordable office is particularly timely given the broader economic climate, which has led many companies to rethink their operational strategies. In India, startups like Kuku FM, Beepkart, and 1% Club have all implemented layoffs as part of their own cost-reduction efforts. Beepkart, for instance, not only downsized its workforce but also halved its number of stores as part of its restructuring process.
In a similar vein, Freshworks, the Nasdaq-listed SaaS company, recently announced a 13% reduction in its global workforce, affecting around 660 employees. This decision was part of a larger restructuring initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and managing costs more effectively.
Amazon India has yet to officially comment on the relocation, with Inc42 reaching out to the company for further details. Once a statement is provided, the story will be updated accordingly.
The headquarters move signals a shift in Amazon India’s approach to its physical presence in India. While the company continues to maintain a robust presence in the country, focusing on e-commerce, cloud services, and other tech-driven initiatives, this cost-saving measure demonstrates its sensitivity to changing market conditions.
As the Indian market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Amazon India balances the need for cost efficiency with its long-term growth ambitions. The relocation to a more affordable office space is just one of many steps the company may take to adapt to the dynamic business environment in India, which remains one of its key markets globally.
