Andhra Pradesh positions itself as IT and GCC hub, eyes Eastern Gateway status
AP already operates six seaports; four greenfield ports expected operational within two years. Visakhapatnam projected as IT, GCC and an AI cluster.
Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as the country's IT and Global Capability Centre (GCC) capital while establishing itself as India's gateway to the East through four new greenfield ports, a senior government official said Tuesday, February 3.
The state already operates six seaports, with the four greenfield ports expected to be operational within two years, said CM Saikanth Varma, CEO of AP Economic Development Board (EDB).
Speaking at an IT, GCC, Coworking and IT Infrastructure Investment Promotion Roadshow in Hyderabad, Varma highlighted Visakhapatnam's potential as the country's next IT, GCC and AI hub.
"Under the leadership of the Chief Minister (N Chandrababu Naidu) and also being led by the IT Minister Nara Lokesh, I think the state is trying to position itself as the IT and GCC capital in the country. We want to catch up to the AI wave, which is coming up in a big wave," he said.
Google's announcement of a $15 billion AI data city in Visakhapatnam exemplifies this momentum, he noted.
The government is adopting a cluster-based development model, with Visakhapatnam being projected as an IT, GCC and AI cluster. The city's new international airport will be operational in five to six months, with metro rail services planned within a few years.
"Visakhapatnam is ready to become the next IT, GCC and AI capital of the country," Varma said, citing the city's social infrastructure, air connectivity, and upcoming hospitality facilities.
IT Secretary Bhaskar Katamneni, addressing the roadshow virtually, emphasized Visakhapatnam's competitive cost structures, talent pool, infrastructure readiness, and state initiatives like 'Kaushalam'.
The roadshow attracted over 100 CEOs and senior leaders from leading IT firms and GCCs.
(With inputs from PTI)