Visakhapatnam poised to become knowledge and tech hub: Chief Minister

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday that Visakhapatnam will be developed into a world-class knowledge and technology hub. He described the city as safe, pollution-free, and well-positioned for global IT investments.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Cognizant’s new campus, in the presence of IT Minister Nara Lokesh, he said the State has allotted 22 acres for the project. Cognizant has committed Rs 1,583 crore for an 8,000-seat facility and began operations with its first 1,000 associates.

Mr. Naidu said the company plans to expand its local workforce to 25,000. He also laid foundation stones for eight other firms, noting that their entry reflects Visakhapatnam’s emergence as a technology ecosystem. He said Andhra Pradesh’s youth have a strong global IT footprint and assured full support to new investments.

The Chief Minister said Visakhapatnam is poised to become a major IT destination, aided by the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport. Google will set up an AI data centre in the city. The State has attracted more than Rs 20 lakh crore in investments, he said, adding that a Quantum Valley will be developed in Amaravati.

He said the government is prioritising industry growth and aims to raise the State’s economic growth rate to 15 percent. Visakhapatnam will be developed as a net-zero pollution city, he added.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh said Cognizant’s entry marks a milestone in the city’s rise as a global technology hub. He urged the company’s first batch of employees to serve as ambassadors for the State.

Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar thanked the government for its support and said the company sees strong potential in Visakhapatnam’s talent base. He noted that Cognizant has recently expanded in Bhubaneswar, Indore and GIFT City.

Senior officials, including District in-charge Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneyulu and APIIC Chairman M. Rama Raju, attended the event.