Google Breaks Ground on $15 Billion AI Data Hub in Vizag

Google has officially begun construction of a massive $15 billion AI data centre hub in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, marking one of India’s largest foreign direct investments in digital infrastructure. The project will deliver gigawatt-scale compute, subsea cable connectivity, and clean energy systems, positioning Vizag as a global AI hub.

Key Facts About the Vizag AI Hub

• Investment Size: $15 billion (₹1.26 lakh crore), spread over five years (2026–2030).
• Scale: 1 GW hyperscale AI data centre in the first phase, with plans to expand to 5 GW capacity.
• Location: Spread across 600 acres in Rambilli, Adavivaram, and Tarluvada near Vizag.
• Partners: Google Cloud, AdaniConneX, and Bharti Airtel.
• Infrastructure: New subsea cable landing station, fiber-optic networks, clean energy systems.
• Timeline: Foundation stone laid on April 28, 2026; operations expected by September 2028.

Strategic Importance

• Largest Google project in India and its most expansive AI hub outside the U.S.
• Strengthens India’s AI ecosystem, supporting workloads in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and advanced data operations.
• Anchors India’s role in global AI supply chains, boosting subsea connectivity on the eastern coast.

Economic & Social Impact

• Job Creation: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs in AI engineering, data operations, and cybersecurity.
• Local Development: Andhra Pradesh government allocated 601 acres and promised water supply from the Godavari within 60 days.
• Talent Hub: Expected to reverse migration trends by making Vizag a digital gateway and tech talent destination.

Sustainability & Policy Push

• Clean Energy: Captive solar and renewable-linked power systems to reduce grid dependence.
• Government Priorities: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged local server manufacturing, semiconductor packaging, and water-efficient cooling under the IndiaAI Mission.

Comparison with Other Mega Projects in Vizag

Project	Investor	Investment	Capacity	Timeline
Google AI Hub	Google Cloud + AdaniConneX + Airtel	$15B	1 GW (target 5 GW)	Ops by Sept 2028
Reliance AI Cluster	Reliance Industries	$17B	1.5 GW	Ops by Oct 2028

Outlook

Vizag is being compared to the Cyberabad transformation in Hyderabad 30 years ago, with the city now poised to become India’s next global tech hub.