Digital infrastructure key to Vizag city’s growth: AP EDB chief
The Hindu
Digital infrastructure is essential for Visakhapatnam's growth, positioning it as a trillion-dollar economy and national AI hub.
Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board CEO C.M. Saikanth Varma said that digital infrastructure must be treated as core city infrastructure on par with water, roads and electricity, if Visakhapatnam has to evolve into a trillion-dollar regional economy. Modern cities must be evaluated on governance effectiveness, economic viability, investor confidence, quality of life, sustainability, and climate resilience.
He was delivering the keynote address at the annual members meeting of CII Visakhapatnam Zone on: “Visakhapatnam region growth blueprint: Key drivers and economic transformation”, here, on Friday.
Mr. Saikanth Varma noted that Visakhapatnam was rapidly emerging as a national hub for AI computing and digital connectivity, supported by planned gigawatt-scale AI data centres, an upcoming AI Hub (2026–2030), and new subsea cable landings strengthening its position along India’s east coast. Progressive policies such as Data Center Policy 4.0, IT & GCC Policy 4.0, and the Clean Energy Policy are catalysing investments from global majors including Google, ArcelorMittal, and Cognizant.
He highlighted that the NITI Aayog has identified Visakhapatnam as one of India’s four key growth hubs, and said that with the region contributing nearly 30% to Andhra Pradesh’s GSDP, it must aim to become a trillion-dollar economy to support the State’s $2.4 trillion vision by 2047.
He outlined seven growth drivers for the region: port-centric manufacturing from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada, the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport enabling MRO, cargo, and logistics industries, advanced digital and data infrastructure, aquaculture and food processing, coastal and corporate tourism, healthcare and pharmaceuticals including medical tourism, and integrated urban development with metro connectivity.
PK. Manohar Raja, Principal Executive Director (Southern Region), RailTel Corporation of India Ltd, stressed that ports, airports, highways, railways, and logistics must function as a cohesive ecosystem to reduce costs and enhance export competitiveness. He underlined that infrastructure development must be anticipatory and strategically aligned with future economic needs.
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