$15 Billion Google AI Hub to Transform Vizag into Global Tech Gateway

In a transformative development for India’s digital economy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for Electronics & IT, Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday jointly laid the foundation stone for Google’s massive Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre near Visakhapatnam, marking one of the largest technology investments in the country’s history.

The project, with an estimated investment of $15 billion (₹1.35 lakh crore) , is being developed as a 1 gigawatt (GW) hyperscale AI data centre , placing it among the largest such facilities in India and Asia. Designed to deliver advanced AI cloud infrastructure, high-performance computing, and large-scale data storage capabilities , the facility is expected to significantly strengthen India’s digital backbone and support next-generation technologies.

Spread across around 600 acres in Tarluvada, Adavivaram and Rambilli regions, the data centre forms the cornerstone of a much larger vision to build a multi-gigawatt digital ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. The state government has outlined an ambitious long-term plan to develop a 6.5 GW data hub , positioning Andhra Pradesh as a major destination for global data infrastructure and AI investments.

The project is being executed in partnership with AdaniConneX and Airtel Nxtra , reflecting a collaborative model aimed at building scalable and resilient digital infrastructure. The facility is scheduled for inauguration on September 28, 2028, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the state pushing for completion ahead of timelines.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to deliver a massive employment boost. Estimates indicate the creation of up to 1.8–1.9 lakh jobs overall , including over 60,000 jobs during the construction phase , providing a major economic lift to North Andhra, a region historically affected by migration due to limited opportunities. The initiative is expected to transform Visakhapatnam into a thriving hub for technology, innovation, and high-value employment.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the project as a turning point for India’s global technological positioning. He said the country is rapidly emerging as a trusted value chain and supply chain partner in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, driven by strong policy support and visionary leadership.

Highlighting India’s progress, the minister noted that the country is already a global leader in IT services and is now advancing swiftly in electronics manufacturing. Mobile phones have become one of India’s top export items, with nearly 50 percent of domestic electronic demand being met through local production . Under the Semiconductor Mission, commercial manufacturing has already begun, further strengthening India’s capabilities in high-end technology sectors.

Vaishnaw urged global technology companies, including Google, to expand manufacturing of servers, GPUs and semiconductor chips within India , underlining the country’s ambition to become a global hub in advanced technology domains such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and space technologies.

Describing the project as transformative, he said Visakhapatnam is poised to evolve into a global AI hub often referred to as “AI Patnam” powered by cutting-edge infrastructure and international investments. The data centre is expected to bring wide-ranging impact across sectors including healthcare, education, logistics, aerospace, and agriculture .

Adding to its strategic importance, Google is also strengthening digital connectivity from Visakhapatnam through subsea cable infrastructure , linking India to global data routes across Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the United States . This will position the city as a critical global data gateway .

Industry leaders echoed strong optimism. Google Cloud’s Global Infrastructure Vice President Bikash Koley said the AI Hub would serve as a foundational pillar for India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and play a key role in the global AI economy. Jeet Adani described the project as a major milestone that will establish Visakhapatnam as a new digital gateway for India.

Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, aiming to integrate AI into governance and public services. He said the state plans to roll out AI-driven solutions such as AI-powered healthcare services and personal digital assistants for citizens , signaling a shift toward technology-led governance.

With construction underway and completion targeted by 2028 , the Google AI data centre is expected to redefine Andhra Pradesh’s economic trajectory, anchor India’s AI infrastructure growth, and firmly position Visakhapatnam on the global map as one of the most significant digital and technology hubs of the future.