Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a landmark technology project for a $15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam. The ambitious initiative, which also saw the presence of Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is being positioned as a defining moment in India’s digital journey.
Addressing the gathering, Naidu described the occasion in emphatic terms. "This is a great day. Historic day for all of us. Unforgettable in Andhra Pradesh history - April 28, 2026 - will be remembered forever in the history of India and in the history of Andhra Pradesh. Google AI data centre will be a growth engine for India," he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Rs 1.35 lakh crore investment would transform the North Andhra region into a major technology hub. Calling it potentially Asia’s largest AI data centre, he underscored that the project goes beyond infrastructure—it represents a leap toward a digitally empowered future.
Naidu stressed that the foundation being laid is not just physical but symbolic of Andhra Pradesh’s long-term technological ambitions. He pointed out that while Google serves users globally, its decision to invest in the state reflects its unique advantages.
He also revealed a clear project timeline, noting that the groundwork began in September 2025 and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the facility on September 28, 2028. Assuring full state support, Naidu credited the Centre’s backing and praised the Prime Minister’s forward-looking technology vision.
Looking ahead, Naidu painted an ambitious picture of how artificial intelligence could reshape everyday life. He said the state aims to build cutting-edge AI models across sectors and expressed confidence that AI-powered services would soon become commonplace.
"Powered by Google's innovations, he said the state wants to produce the best models in various realms and exuded confidence that very soon every citizen will have an AI doctor, AI personal assistant and other forms of AI assistance."
In a lighter remark, the CM added: "Naidu asserted that he will have an AI assistant from tomorrow who will supersede all, though he currently has four IAS secretaries."
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India's growing digital strength and said Visakhapatnam will emerge as an artificial intelligence hub. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, he said the initiative marks a major step in strengthening India's AI-driven digital infrastructure. "India's growing digital strength is evident, and with the upcoming USD 15 billion Google AI data centre, Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as a major AI hub," he said.
In a social media post on X, Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development of Andhra Pradesh, wrote, "HISTORY IS MADE TODAY. 28.04.2026 will be etched in time. #Vizag is now India’s AI data hub. Today marks the journey for Vizag from steel to silicon, from coast to global command center. Rs 1.35 lakh crore. 1 GW. Up to 2 lakh direct and indirect jobs. This isn’t a project - it’s a generational shift. What the world searched on @Google.. will now be built in Vizag."
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
