‘AI-patnam’: Visakhapatnam to House India’s Largest 1-GW AI Data Centre
VISAKHAPATNAM — In what is being hailed as one of the largest single Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in India’s history, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a massive 1-Gigawatt hyperscale AI Data Centre at Tarluvada.
The project marks a significant milestone in India’s digital journey, with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw declaring that the port city is set to transform into “AI-patnam.”
The Project Scale: A Global Tech Giant
The facility is a cornerstone of Google’s announced $15 billion investment in India. It is being developed on 601.4 acres of land through a high-profile partnership between global tech leaders and Indian infrastructure giants.
- Total Investment: ₹1.35 Lakh Crore.
- Capacity: 1 Gigawatt (GW).
- Key Partners: Managed by Google subsidiary Raiden Infotech in collaboration with Adani Infra. Partners like AdaniConneX and Airtel Nxtra are also part of the wider venture.
- National Impact: Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Digital Labs, noted that while India’s total current data centre capacity is about 1.3 GW, this single project will add nearly 1 GW at one location.
Beyond Data Storage: AI and Connectivity
The Tarluvada facility is not just a storage warehouse; it is designed to be the backbone of India’s AI future.
- AI Cloud Infrastructure: The centre will provide the massive computing power required for advanced Artificial Intelligence applications.
- Subsea Cable System: An upcoming subsea cable will provide Visakhapatnam with direct high-speed digital links to several countries, positioning it as a global data hub.
A ‘Secure and Trusted’ Partnership
The project is also seen as a victory for Indo-U.S. strategic relations. Laura Williams, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, emphasized that the investment aligns with strategic initiatives to build “secure, trusted technological systems” and create high-value job opportunities in the region.