Recognising the immense global opportunities in deep technology, AI, and big data, the state government is focusing on Data City to attract investments and technological advancements.
Published Jan 31, 2025 | 12:27 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 31, 2025 | 12:41 PM
A view of Visakhapatnam. (Creative Commons)
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to develop a 500-acre “Data City” in Visakhapatnam, providing infrastructure for companies to locate data centres and Artificial Intelligence (AI) hubs for companies which require their services.
Recognising the immense global opportunities in deep technology, AI, and big data, the state government is focusing on Data City to attract investments and technological advancements.
After the NDA government came to power in Andhra Pradesh, it has been focusing on developing the information technology (IT) sector in Visakhapatnam.
The vision is to establish Visakhapatnam as a global technology centre for IT and AI. The government’s plan is to make Data City a hub for IT-based companies setting up operations in Visakhapatnam. Work has already begun to bring this plan into action.
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to develop Data City near Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam, replicating Hyderabad’s HITEC city.
This project aims to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for data centres and AI hubs. Industry experts are optimistic about the government’s efforts to capitalise on the expanding global opportunities in AI, big data, and deep technology.
The development comes amidst the state government landing several multinational tech giants in Visakhapatnam.
Google is set to establish a facility on 80 acres in Visakhapatnam and has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide AI training and skill development programs for local youth.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is launching an expansion project in Visakhapatnam. The government has temporarily allotted space in Medha Towers, and operations will begin within three months. The government has also allocated 30 acres for a permanent campus.
Infosys is exploring multiple locations in Visakhapatnam for its new campus. Wipro, focusing on expansion, is in talks with the government to establish a base in Visakhapatnam. Cognizant’s CEO has reportedly shown interest in launching operations in Visakhapatnam.
The state government has also launched the IT & GCC Policy 4.0 (Information Technology & Global Capability Centers) to position Visakhapatnam as a global IT destination. The policy focuses on attracting top IT companies by offering modern infrastructure and high-speed internet besides developing innovation hubs and tech campuses.
Information Technology, Electronics and Communications and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh recently held talks with global IT companies in Switzerland’s Davos.
He showcased Andhra Pradesh’s potential in AI and deep tech and invited Swiss research firms to collaborate with universities in the state. He also explored the possibility of setting up innovation hubs and incubators for technology transfer.
“Minister Nara Lokesh is in talks to bring 100 top global companies to Andhra Pradesh. The government aims to create 500,000 jobs in the IT sector. If Visakhapatnam’s Data City develops like Hyderabad’s HITEC City, Andhra Pradesh will be at the forefront of IT and AI,” BirdVu 360 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ravi Chaitanya Yalamala told South First.
The land acquisition process for the data city has already begun, with the Visakhapatnam district revenue department actively working on securing the required land.
Additionally, the 80 acres allotted for Google’s data centre is near the proposed project site.
“The credit for transforming Hyderabad into an IT hub goes to Chandrababu Naidu. He revolutionised the IT sector and brought global tech giants like Microsoft to Hyderabad. Now, he is determined to establish Data City in Visakhapatnam. Everyone should support his vision,” said NRI tech expert Potula Laxmana Kumar speaking to South First.
“We will prioritise the first 500 IT companies setting up in Andhra Pradesh. We are offering land at the lowest prices in the country and will ensure swift approvals,” said Lokesh while holding talks with IT company representatives.
The proposed Data City will be located within 30 km of the Bhogapuram International Airport, making it an attractive destination for global corporations.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
