Google’s AI Data Centre in Vizag a Historic Milestone, Says Lokesh

Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh on Wednesday hailed Google’s upcoming AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam as a “historic milestone,” crediting it to joint efforts of the State and Union Governments. Speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday, he said the project would position Andhra Pradesh as India’s next technology powerhouse.

Mr. Lokesh said the State had introduced legislative amendments to enable the investment, while the Centre was finalising tax incentives. “The Centre is working on it and will announce details soon. The State has offered incentives similar to those extended to Kia Motors and other investors, amounting to nearly seven per cent of the total investment,” he said.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s fast-paced growth, he added, “In just 17 months, the State has become the most investment-ready under the double-engine leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Some tried to dissuade Google, but Andhra Pradesh rose above negativity. This is not just Andhra’s success, it is India’s pride.”

He revealed that Andhra Pradesh had already secured investment commitments worth $125 billion, with focus now on timely execution.

Recalling early talks, Mr. Lokesh said Google executives first visited in September 2024 to explore potential sites. “During meetings in the U.S., they sought policy changes. Mr. Naidu, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw worked with the Prime Minister to make them possible,” he noted.

On why Google chose Andhra, he said it was for the State’s speed of doing business and sustained policy support. “Just as Microsoft transformed Hyderabad, Google will transform Visakhapatnam. What took Hyderabad three decades, Vizag will achieve in ten,” he said.

He added that the government remains committed to balanced regional growth under the principle of “One State, One Capital, and Decentralised Development.”