In the rapidly growing world of digital infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh state government has just set up a new guiding group: the Data Centre Advisory Council. The council is meant to steer the state’s plan to reach a whopping 6,000 MW of data‑centre capacity by 2030 and to position Visakhapatnam—often called Vizag—as India’s top destination for AI‑era digital services.
The move follows a Government Order issued by the Ministry of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) this week. It builds on the state’s Data Centre Policy 4.0 and turns big announcements—like Google’s 1‑GW project and Sify Infinity’s 550 MW plant—into real construction and jobs.
A clear roadmap for the future
Nara Lokesh, the state’s IT minister, chairs the council. His job is to give the government a roadmap that covers everything from power supply, renewable energy, and high‑speed fibre, to building dedicated data‑centre parks and creating “plug‑and‑play” campuses. He will also push for simpler clearances and real‑estate rules that match the speed of large‑scale projects, while keeping a focus on training talent, cyber‑security and global outreach.
Messi Messi, Lokesh explained, “In the AI era, data is the new oil, and data centres are the new refineries. Google’s 1 GW and Sify’s 550 MW are just the first steps. I’m confident Vizag will become the data‑centre capital of India.”
Who’s on the council?
The council brings together leaders from many sectors. Key partners include:
- Microsoft Azure – on cloud and AI services
- NTT GDC India & ST Telemedia GDC – global data‑centre operations
- Cushman & Wakefield, JLL – real‑estate and industrial advice
- Pi Data Centres – local operators
- Schneider Electric – power and cooling
- Jio Platforms – fibre and connectivity
Industry bodies such as NASSCOM, DSCI, ISPAI, and IEEMA also participate, along with academic institutions from Andhra University, IIM Visakhapatnam, and IIT Tirupati. Cyber‑security groups like CERT‑In and the state’s APTS office round out the team, ensuring projects grow safely and reliably.
How the council works
A dedicated secretariat, drawn from the ITE&C and the Andhra Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board (APEDB), will manage day‑to‑day tasks. Technical partners such as Primus Partners will help with meeting management and follow‑through, keeping the council’s plans moving from decision to delivery.
The council can also set up sub‑committees and task forces focused on specific areas—power, networking, construction, or policy—to keep everything on track. This structure is designed to sync licences, utilities, and other permissions with build schedules, turning big commitments from Google and Sify into faster construction and attracting more investors.
The bigger picture
By aligning everyone—from cloud giants and real‑estate firms to academia and cyber‑security experts—into one empowered platform, the council aims to sharpen Andhra Pradesh’s competitive edge. It will constantly feed back on policy and tweak Data Centre Policy 4.0 as projects move from memorandums of understanding to bricks and casing.
The end goal is clear: hit 6,000 MW of data‑centre capacity by 2030, boost high‑quality jobs, and place Visakhapatnam at the heart of India’s AI‑era digital infrastructure.
With the council in place and big projects already brewing, Andhra Pradesh is set to turn the state into a magnet for data‑centre investment, making it a key hub for the country’s future digital economy.
Source: ianslive
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