Quick Take
- Google commits $10 billion to build Asia’s largest data centre in Visakhapatnam
- Project spans 480 acres with 1-gigawatt capacity across three campuses
- Expected to create 190,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2028
- Will contribute ₹10,518 crore annually to Andhra Pradesh’s economy from 2028-2032
- First phase operational by July 2028 as part of India’s AI infrastructure push
Google commits $10B to transform India’s digital infrastructure with hyperscale data centre complex
Visakhapatnam project approved by Andhra Pradesh government to create 190,000 jobs — Indian Express
Google is moving ahead with one of India’s biggest digital infrastructure projects ever – a $10 billion investment to build Asia’s largest hyperscale data centre cluster in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Express reports that the project, handled through Google’s subsidiary Raiden Infotech India Ltd., got the green light from the State Investment Promotion Board during a meeting led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
This investment stands out as one of the largest foreign direct investments in India’s tech sector and shows Google’s serious commitment to handling the country’s growing digital needs fueled by AI adoption and smartphone growth.
Massive Infrastructure Footprint Across Three Campuses
The data centre complex will cover 480 acres across three campuses with a combined 1-gigawatt power capacity, making it a major player in Google’s global network. Company officials say the first operational phase is targeted for July 2028, with complete deployment running through 2032.
State government projections indicate the facility will pump approximately ₹10,518 crore annually into the state’s economy from 2028 to 2032. The development is set to create 190,000 direct and indirect jobs across construction, IT, and related industries.
Strategic Alignment with AI City Vision
The Visakhapatnam project directly backs Andhra Pradesh’s push to make the port city an ‘AI City’ – a designated center for tech innovation and artificial intelligence development. Chief Minister Naidu highlighted the government’s proactive stance, rolling out single-window clearances and policy stability measures to attract major tech investments.
This development will stimulate ancillary sectors including power, fibre optics, and real estate, driving comprehensive job creation and economic growth, according to a statement from the Andhra Pradesh government following SIPB approval.
Economic Ripple Effects Across Multiple Sectors
The data centre project is expected to create significant ripple effects throughout the regional economy. Beyond direct tech jobs, the project will boost demand in construction, power generation, telecommunications infrastructure, and real estate development.
Just the facility’s 1-gigawatt power requirement represents a major infrastructure investment that will benefit the broader Visakhapatnam industrial landscape. Real estate analysts expect increased commercial and residential development around the data centre campuses as Google’s workforce and supporting businesses set up shop.
Regulatory Environment and Market Position
While the investment shows Google’s confidence in India’s digital growth path, the company continues working through regulatory challenges in the market. Past issues include settling antitrust cases with India’s Competition Commission and addressing concerns about ad tech business practices.
The Visakhapatnam project puts Google in a better position to serve India’s 1.4 billion population as cloud computing and AI services demand picks up speed. Industry experts see the investment as crucial infrastructure for supporting Google’s growing cloud services portfolio and artificial intelligence capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
Timeline and Implementation Strategy
The phased development approach lets Google adjust capacity expansion with market demand while managing construction complexity across the three-campus design. The July 2028 target for initial operations reflects the complex engineering requirements for hyperscale data centre deployment.
Google’s commitment goes beyond infrastructure development to include workforce development programs aligned with Andhra Pradesh’s technology education initiatives. The company plans to work with local educational institutions to develop specialized training programs supporting the facility’s long-term operational needs.
This landmark investment strengthens India’s position as a key hub in the global digital infrastructure network while giving Google enhanced capability to serve the world’s largest internet user base outside China.
