Lokesh Declares Vizag As India’s New AI Hub
VISAKHAPATNAM: IT minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday announced the inauguration of Google's AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India's digital journey.
Speaking at the Bharat AI Shakti Conclave, organised by Google under the theme "Collaborating to Deliver India's AI Corridor," Lokesh said Visakhapatnam is poised to transition from its legacy as a steel city to becoming the nation's leading AI hub.
The Google AI Hub, backed by a 15 billion dollars investment, represents the largest foreign direct investment in India to date. This project includes establishing a one-gigawatt data centre ecosystem and cable landing stations to connect Visakhapatnam to the global stage.
Lokesh said the centre would create approximately 200,000 jobs – direct and indirect — and foster the development of new industries within the ecosystem. "This is not a single project; this serves as an economic growth multiplier," he stated, underscoring the transformative potential of this investment.
He drew parallels to Hyderabad's rise as an IT powerhouse, recalling how sceptics once questioned the viability of Cyber Towers. "Visakhapatnam would achieve in ten years what Hyderabad accomplished in three decades, driven by scale, inclusivity and self-reliance."
The minister cited ongoing projects, such as the Green Steel City in collaboration with ArcelorMittal, as well as advancements in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and clean energy, as evidence of AP's ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2047.
Earlier in the day, Lokesh joined Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Google Data Centre in Tharluvada. He described the event as more than just a foundation stone, calling it "a movement that will transform an entire generation."
Lokesh praised Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his leadership in India's digital revolution and expressed gratitude to Google, the Adani Group, Bharti Airtel, and the farmers who provided land for the facility.
The minister accused the YSRC of attempting to obstruct Google's entry into Andhra Pradesh. The YSRC's "destructive regime" drove companies out of the state, he said.
Citing the government's focus on decentralised development, Lokesh outlined plans to establish dedicated economic zones in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Tirupati, each specialising in distinct industries to promote balanced regional growth.
Lokesh said Visakhapatnam's resilience, talent and youthful energy would secure a place for it on the global IT map.
Key Insights
- This topic is currently trending
- Experts are closely monitoring developments
- It may impact future decisions
