India is not just talking about artificial intelligence anymore — it is planning to build the infrastructure to power it for decades.
In one of the boldest tech infrastructure proposals so far, Andhra Pradesh is planning a $175 billion “AI Data City” in Visakhapatnam , also known as Vizag. The vision is massive — a fully integrated digital ecosystem spread across a 100-kilometre radius around the city.
This is not just about a few data centres. The idea is to create an entire technology zone where data infrastructure, AI companies, research hubs, cloud facilities, and digital businesses operate in one connected network. Think of it as a city designed around data the way industrial cities were once designed around steel or ports.
The man leading this push is Nara Lokesh, the Information Technology Minister of Andhra Pradesh. According to him, there is no confusion about where the world is heading.
“The AI revolution is here, no second thoughts about it,” he said while outlining the vision for the project. And more importantly, he made it clear that India has taken a conscious decision — not to resist AI, not to fear it — but to embrace it.
At a time when countries like the United States and China are investing aggressively in artificial intelligence infrastructure, India does not want to remain only a software service provider. The goal now is to build hard infrastructure — massive data capacity, computing power, and an ecosystem that can support global-scale AI innovation.
Vizag already has strategic advantages. It is a coastal city with port access, growing urban infrastructure, and available land for expansion. Andhra Pradesh is positioning it as a technology-forward city that can attract global tech giants, hyperscalers, and AI startups alike.
A 100 km integrated ecosystem means companies won’t just build isolated campuses. Instead, data centres, AI labs, logistics hubs, semiconductor-related facilities, renewable energy sources, and residential zones could all function within one planned digital corridor.
The number attached to the project — $175 billion — signals the scale of ambition. If executed as envisioned, it would rank among the largest AI-focused infrastructure projects in the region.
But beyond the numbers, the larger message is clear.
India understands that AI is not only about apps and chatbots. It is about servers, chips, data storage, cloud networks, and energy supply. Without strong infrastructure, AI innovation cannot scale. This proposed Data City aims to solve that at the foundation level.
For startups, this could mean easier access to computing resources and enterprise partnerships. For global tech firms, it could offer a new base in South Asia. For India’s workforce, it could generate thousands of high-skill jobs in data engineering, AI research, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture.
Most importantly, it reflects a mindset shift.
For years, India was known as the back office of the world. Then it became a startup powerhouse. Now, it wants to become an AI infrastructure leader.
If this vision materialises, Visakhapatnam could transform from a coastal commercial city into a key pillar of India’s AI ambition.
The AI race is no longer theoretical. Countries are building for it.
And India, it seems, is preparing to build big.
If you want, I can also turn this into a high-energy vlog script in Hinglish for your KaroStartup news reel.
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