Lokesh lays stone for AI edge data centre in Vizag

State IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh has reiterated that five lakh jobs will be created in Visakhapatnam in the next five years.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the AI edge data centre and open cable landing station to be developed by Sify Technologies at Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam on October 12, Lokesh said several IT firms were showing interest in investing in the city due to the initiative taken by the government.

“Because of Chandrababu Naidu, a lot was achieved in the IT sector in Hyderabad. While it took Hyderabad 30 years to achieve the feat, I am sure that Visakhapatnam will make it in 10 years,” said the IT Minister.

Despite criticism, the State government has decided to go ahead with the allotment of land for IT companies at a nominal rate. “The bold decision is now yielding the result, and IT giants like Google and Accenture have come forward to invest in Visakhapatnam.

Showering praises on the people of Visakhapatnam, the Minister reminded that when the TDP lost at many places in the 2019 elections, the Vizag people voted the party. “We always grateful to the people of Visakhapatnam and do everything to make it the financial capital of the State.

On the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Lokesh said: “The government is committed to protecting it. The Centre has pumped funds in huge amount to bring it back on right track. When the new government was formed, only one blast furnace was functional. Now, three furnaces are operational because of sincere efforts by the government.”

“The Modi government at Centre is extending all support to the Andhra Pradesh government. And, we make all-out efforts to script a new chapter in the history of Andhra Pradesh.

The data centre will be developed in two phases with an investment of Rs. 1,500 crore. It will generate over 1,000 jobs.

Besides Sify representatives, District Collector M N Harendhira Prasad and several MLAs took part in the stone-laying ceremony.

Earlier, Lokesh was given a warm welcome at the airport.

Also read: Indian Navy commissions ‘Trinetra’ static firing facility at Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam

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This article is written by Senior Journalist Lakkoju Nagesh Babu