An Exclusive Insight with O. Naresh Kumar, Vizag Development Council

Visakhapatnam, traditionally recognized for its steel, port, and shipbuilding industries, is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation, shifting its anchor to the digital economy. The city is now firmly on the global map as India's emerging hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and massive data infrastructure, a change driven by an unprecedented wave of investments from global tech behemoths.

The announcement of Google's $15 billion AI Hub and 1 GW Data Centre cluster, coupled with investments from giants like TCS, Cognizant, and the Sify AI-edge data centre, is a game-changer. As O. Naresh Kumar, Chairman of the Vizag Development Council, confirms, "Visakhapatnam is the key for all these investments. With the landing of two dedicated subsea fibre links—one from Meta and another from Google—we are establishing India's most trusted and future-ready digital command hub. This global connectivity places Vizag firmly on the information superhighway, enabling low-latency, lightning-fast data routes that will power AI, FinTech, and global cloud services."

The Multiplier Effect: A City Transformed

This tech-driven growth immediately creates several positive outcomes:

• Global Talent Magnet: The entry of anchor companies like Cognizant and TCS, along with the development of the Sattva Vantage Vizag Campus, will attract experienced professionals and spark a reverse migration trend, drawing high-skilled talent back to the city.

• Skill Economy Boom: The demand for specialized skills will necessitate new skill development centres, preparing the local youth for roles in deep tech, AI, and cybersecurity.

• Economic Velocity: Increased employment and higher salaries will drive a palpable Real Estate Boom and fuel consumption, boosting the banking and insurance sectors and dramatically improving the overall Standard of Living.

The Critical Next Steps: Where Government Must Focus

While the IT Minister Nara Lokesh’s proactive efforts, including his recent meetings with global tech CEOs, are accelerating investment, sustaining this momentum requires immediate focus on infrastructure.

"To support a workforce that is expected to grow by tens of thousands, we must solve urban logistics first," stresses Naresh Kumar. The government’s next priority must be a synchronized, large-scale overhaul of:

1. Urban Infrastructure: The city urgently needs improved urban mobility—addressing the shortage of parking spaces, widening key roads, and fast-tracking flyovers and open spaces.

2. Connectivity Upgrade: Enhancing the current transport network is vital. This includes Railway Upgrades, such as introducing new express trains to major metros (Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai), and expanding the capacity of suburban stations like Duvvada and Gopalapatnam.

3. Aviation Dual Strategy: Keeping the existing Visakhapatnam Airport operational while developing the proposed Bhogapuram Airport is a strategic necessity, mirroring successful models like Goa to ensure the city can handle the expected surge in domestic and international traffic.

Visakhapatnam is no longer just aspiring to be an IT hub; it is cementing its position as a global digital gateway. By diligently addressing its urban infrastructure needs, the city can ensure this technological leap is both powerful and sustainable, fulfilling its promise as India’s next-generation metro.