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Andhra's IT Minister Nara Lokesh
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has said Visakhapatnam will be developed as the state’s economic capital to transform it into a trillion-dollar economy by 2047.
Nara Lokesh discloses plans for Visakhapatnam
On Sunday, he laid the foundation stone for Vizag’s first AI-powered Edge Data Centre and Open Cable Landing Station (CLS), to be built by Sify Infinit Spaces Limited, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Sify Technologies.
Speaking at the ceremony at A1 Grand Convention in Rushikonda, Lokesh said, “Hyderabad took more than 30 years to reach its current level of development. Visakhapatnam will achieve this in just over a decade. This is our commitment.”
He further added that over the past 17 months, more than 50% of $120 billion investments that have been coming to Andhra Pradesh were directed to the Greater Visakhapatnam Economic Region.
“The region will host the country’s largest steel plant, marking the largest foreign direct investment in India’s history. These investments are expected to create a robust economic ecosystem, including 20 lakh jobs nationwide, with five lakh IT positions in Visakhapatnam alone,” he remarked.
Lokesh shared that developing Visakhapatnam as the economic capital aligns with the government’s policy of a single capital with decentralised development.
“People endorsed this approach in the elections, giving a clear mandate for governance, job creation, and economic growth,” he said.
He lauded the strong support of Vizag residents, recalling the city’s resilience during the 2014 Hudhud Cyclone, and their continued support for government initiatives.
“The double-engine government has enabled key IT companies to invest in the city, safeguarded Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and ensured that upcoming projects contribute to both State and national economic growth,” he said.
The AI Edge Data Centre will be developed on 3.6 acres in two phases, with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, offering 50 MW capacity to support AI-driven enterprises.
Minister Nara Lokesh said, "Visakhapatnam is rapidly emerging as a global digital gateway on the eastern coast. Sify's world-class infrastructure will strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position on the global technology map and create new opportunities in innovation, employment, and investment. This marks a defining moment in the digital journey of the state.”