In a landmark development for India’s tech infrastructure, global tech giant Google is set to establish its largest data center outside the United States in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. The announcement was made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who revealed that the mega facility would be the centerpiece of a sprawling 500-acre technology cluster in Madhurawada, Vizag’s rapidly growing tech corridor.
The data center, expected to cost up to $4 billion (approx. ₹33,000 crore), will significantly bolster the region’s economy and technological stature. According to officials, the campus will focus on advanced cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital infrastructure, playing a crucial role in India’s vision of becoming a global tech powerhouse.
“This is a historic moment for Andhra Pradesh and India,” said CM Naidu at a press conference on July 24. “Google’s decision to invest in Vizag is a clear vote of confidence in our state’s capabilities, infrastructure, and potential. This project will generate thousands of jobs, foster innovation, and elevate Vizag as a national and international hub for technology.”
Strategic Importance of Vizag
Vizag, known for its strategic location and port access, has been increasingly positioned as a digital and innovation hotspot. With the upcoming Google data center, the city is expected to attract more global tech players, startups, and research institutions.
Officials from Google have reportedly been in advanced talks with the Andhra Pradesh government for several months. The company chose Vizag for its stable climate, robust power availability, and increasing digital demand in India’s eastern corridor.
Powering Digital India
The facility will cater to growing cloud needs across the country and support Google’s global operations. It will be integrated with AI systems to improve energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and data processing speeds. The campus is also expected to support local businesses, startups, and public digital services through improved cloud access.
Sources suggest that the center will also serve as a testbed for Google’s next-generation AI models and could be pivotal in training large language models and supporting India-centric digital services.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
According to Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), the Google data center is likely to directly employ thousands of skilled workers in AI, IT support, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity, with indirect job creation expected in construction, logistics, and ancillary services.
“This is more than a data center—it’s a digital city in the making,” said a senior government official. “We anticipate long-term gains for our youth in terms of employment, upskilling, and entrepreneurship.”
A Vision Realized
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Chief Minister Naidu’s vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a tech-driven economy. Naidu, known for his early adoption of digital governance during his previous tenures, had also spearheaded the development of Cyberabad in Hyderabad during the late 1990s.
“This is just the beginning,” Naidu said. “Vizag will soon be on the global map for technology, and we will continue to attract investments that make Andhra Pradesh the digital backbone of India.”
Source:
- ANI News: https://www.aninews.in
- AP CMO Official Statement (July 24 Press Conference)
