VISAKHAPATNAM: HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has said Visakhapatnam will be developed as Andhra Pradesh’s economic capital with a vision to transform it into a trillion-dollar economy by 2047. On Sunday, he laid the foundation stone for Vizag’s first AI-powered Edge Data Centre and Open Cable Landing Station (CLS), which will be developed by Sify Infinit Spaces Limited, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Sify Technologies.
Speaking at the ceremony at A1 Grand Convention in Rushikonda, Lokesh recalled that when IT companies were attracted to Hyderabad in the 1990s, the then Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu developed Cyber Towers, which played a key role in the city’s growth.
“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 asserted.
Highlighting Vizag’s growing economic importance, the IT Minister said over the past 17 months, more than 50% of $120 billion investments 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 opined.
Lokesh stressed 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.
The IT Minister also noted the strong support of Vizag residents, recalling the city’s resilience during the 2014 Hudhud Cyclone, and their continued backing of 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 built on 3.6 acres in two phases, with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, offering 50 MW capacity to support AI-driven enterprises.
Raju Vegesna, Chairman of Sify Technologies, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to advancing India’s digital infrastructure, and making Visakhapatnam a global connectivity hub.
APIIC Chairman Mantena Rama Raju, MLA P Vishnu Kumar Raju, and BJP State president PVN Madhav were also present.
