AP CM Naidu Lays Foundation Stone for Google’s Cloud Hub

Vishakapatnam: Marking a massive leap in Andhra Pradesh’s journey toward becoming a global digital powerhouse, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today laid the foundation stone for Google’s state-of-the-art data center in Visakhapatnam. The high-profile ceremony, held at the Kapuluppada IT layout, was attended by top Google executives, state ministers, and several industry leaders, signaling a major boost for the “City of Destiny.”

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that the arrival of a global tech giant like Google is a testament to the state’s renewed focus on creating a business-friendly environment and world-class infrastructure. He noted that Visakhapatnam is being strategically developed as the AI and Data capital of India, with this project serving as the cornerstone of that vision.

The facility, which is expected to be one of Google’s largest in the region, will focus on cloud computing services, data storage, and supporting the growing demand for artificial intelligence applications across the subcontinent. During the event, Google officials highlighted the city’s strategic coastal location and the state government’s proactive policies as key factors in their decision to invest in Vizag. They also pledged to work closely with local universities to foster a talent pipeline, ensuring that the local youth are equipped with the skills needed for high-tech roles in cloud infrastructure management.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh, also present at the ceremony, stated that the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while attracting a cluster of ancillary tech companies to the region. He reiterated the government’s commitment to “Speed of Doing Business,” promising that the facility would be completed in record time. The ceremony concluded with a digital walkthrough of the proposed campus, which is designed to be fully sustainable, utilizing renewable energy sources and advanced water-cooling technologies.

Local business communities and tech enthusiasts have hailed the move as a game-changer for the North Andhra region, predicting that it will trigger a real estate and service sector boom. As the first brick was symbolically laid, the atmosphere was one of immense optimism, with the Chief Minister declaring that “the digital future of Andhra Pradesh has officially landed in Vizag.”

The event marks a significant victory for the state administration’s industrial push, positioning Visakhapatnam as a formidable competitor to established tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With administrative approvals already streamlined, construction at the site is slated to begin immediately.