Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu chairing an SIPB meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during its 11th meeting on Wednesday, approved a proposal by Raiden Infotech India Limited, a subsidiary of Google, to set up an AI-powered data centre in Visakhapatnam with an outlay of ₹87,520 crore.
The SIPB also approved several other major projects proposed with a total investment of ₹1,14,824 crore. The approved projects span multiple sectors, including information technology, electronics manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and industrial infrastructure. Collectively, these ventures are expected to create employment opportunities for more than 67,000 people across the State.
Mr. Naidu remarked that these achievements, realised within just 15 months of focused governance, reflect Andhra Pradesh’s growing global appeal.
He said the data centre ecosystem would transform Visakhapatnam into an ‘AI-driven smart city’ and emphasised that reliable power supply and infrastructure would further accelerate IT growth. With the latest approvals, cumulative investments sanctioned across 11 SIPB meetings have reached ₹7.07 lakh crore, promising more than 6.2 lakh jobs.
Three industrial zones
Outlining a broader regional development vision, Mr. Naidu proposed dividing the State into three major industrial zones: Visakhapatnam Economic Region (from East Godavari to Srikakulam), Central Economic Growth Region (from West Godavari to Prakasam with Amaravati as the hub), and Southern Economic Development Region (covering Nellore and Rayalaseema).
Special officers will be appointed to oversee the progress of major projects such as the Bharat Petroleum Refinery at Ramayapatnam, ArcelorMittal Steel Plant, and Raiden Data Centre.
Mr. Naidu ordered integration of logistics networks, creation of a statewide water supply and industrial infrastructure master plan, and expedited completion of the Jindal Steel Plant by 2028.
Rayalaseema is evolving into an ‘Agro-Processing and Aerospace Hub’, while Amaravati will rise as the ‘Knowledge Economy Capital’ through Quantum Valley initiatives, he said, adding that Orvakal in Kurnool will be developed into a major industrial hub with a dedicated land bank.
Mr. Naidu directed that all incoming projects be executed efficiently without causing public inconvenience, warning that obstruction to development would not be tolerated. The approvals reflect the government’s focus on positioning Andhra Pradesh as a destination for technology-driven investments.
He said that the new projects were expected to strengthen the State’s digital and industrial ecosystem, boost exports, and enhance skill development opportunities for local youth.
Ministers Nara Lokesh, K. Atchannaidu, P. Narayana, T.G. Bharat, Kandula Durgesh, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Vasamsetti Subhash, and Anagani Satya Prasad, along with Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and senior officials from Industries, IT, Food Processing, Tourism, and Finance department were present.
Published – October 09, 2025 12:38 am IST
