Andhra CM to Lay Foundation for Google AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that he will lay the foundation stone for a Google AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam on April 28, marking a significant step in the state’s push to expand its technology sector. 

The announcement, made on Sunday, signals the beginning of a new phase in Andhra Pradesh’s digital and economic development.

According to a press release issued by the Andhra Pradesh Information and Public Relations Department, the proposed facility is expected to be a major milestone for India’s technology industry. With the establishment of the AI data centre, Visakhapatnam is likely to strengthen its position as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Asia.

The project involves an investment of approximately USD 15 billion by Google, making it one of the largest foreign direct investments in the country. The data centre is planned with a capacity of 1 gigawatt and will be spread across nearly 600 acres in the Tharluwada, Adavivaram and Rambilli regions near Visakhapatnam.

Officials said the state government’s policies aimed at improving the ease and speed of doing business have played a role in attracting such large-scale investments. The development is also supported by plans for subsea cable connectivity, which will provide direct digital links between Visakhapatnam and several countries, enhancing its global connectivity.

The facility is expected to offer large-scale data storage along with advanced artificial intelligence cloud services. Visakhapatnam’s coastal location is considered suitable for hosting submarine cable landing stations, which are critical for international data transmission.

The project will be developed in partnership with companies including AdaniConneX and Airtel Nxtra. The state government has outlined a broader plan to create a multi-gigawatt digital ecosystem, targeting a total capacity of 6.5 gigawatts across Andhra Pradesh in the coming years.

In addition to infrastructure development, the data centre is expected to generate employment opportunities. Jobs are likely to be created in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and technical maintenance. Officials also expect indirect employment through supporting industries.

The project may also encourage investments in related sectors such as power supply systems, cooling technologies, server manufacturing and networking infrastructure. This could contribute to the development of a wider technology ecosystem in the region.

Authorities have indicated that efforts are being made to ensure the use of green energy to power the data centre and similar facilities proposed in the state. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects such as the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport are expected to improve connectivity and support the city’s growth.

The initiative aligns with broader national goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which aims to strengthen India’s position in the global technology landscape.