Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh is set to create a state-of-the-art Data City, incorporating data centers and artificial intelligence hubs, near Visakhapatnam. The initiative, modeled after Hyderabad’s Hitec City, aims to generate significant employment opportunities and bolster the state’s IT infrastructure.
Spanning 500 acres in Madhurawada, the Data City will act as a hub for IT companies, offering a wide array of technological solutions. Land acquisition for the project is already underway. As part of the development, 80 acres have been allocated to Google for a data center following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government. Tata Consultancy Services is set to expand its operations with an additional 30 acres. The project aligns with the government’s promise to create 20,00,000 jobs within five years.
The concept of the Data City is attributed to Nara Lokesh, IT minister of Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh’s previous experience in pioneering Hyderabad’s Hitec City has been instrumental in shaping this ambitious initiative. During the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Lokesh held discussions with prominent figures such as Ravi Kumar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cognizant, and representatives from Temasek Holdings to attract investments in data centers and parks. He emphasized the growing interest among IT companies, AI, and deep tech firms to establish a presence in Andhra Pradesh.
The establishment of Data City is a strategic move to position Andhra Pradesh as a premier tech destination in India. By mirroring the success of Hyderabad’s Hitec City, the initiative is expected to attract global tech firms, drive economic growth, and create substantial employment opportunities. This development also highlights the state’s commitment to integrating advanced technology and infrastructure for the holistic development of the region.
