Andhra Pradesh’s Digital Expansion Vision
Andhra Pradesh Data Centre Advisory Council Targets 6,000 MW by 2030: The Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken a major step in digital infrastructure by forming a Data Centre Advisory Council to achieve 6,000 MW capacity by 2030. This move aligns with the Data Centre Policy 4.0 framework, focusing on accelerating large-scale infrastructure and investment in the technology ecosystem.
Recent announcements, including Google’s 1 GW and Sify Infinity’s 550 MW projects in Visakhapatnam, have positioned Andhra Pradesh as a major emerging data hub in South Asia.
Static GK fact: Visakhapatnam is home to India’s first state-led data centre park initiative launched under the AP Electronics Policy.
Leadership and Composition
The Council will be chaired by Nara Lokesh, the Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C). It includes representatives from Microsoft Azure, NTT Global Data Centres, ST Telemedia GDC, Schneider Electric, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, Pi Data Centres, Nasscom, and the Data Security Council of India (DSCI).
These members bring expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, industrial real estate, and power management, ensuring a holistic approach to policy and implementation.
Static GK Tip: The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) operates under Nasscom, focusing on data protection and cybersecurity standards.
Policy Mandate and Framework
The Council’s mandate involves providing strategic and technical guidance to create a time-bound roadmap for data infrastructure. Key focus areas include:
- Integration of renewable energy into data centre operations
- Development of high-capacity fibre networks
- Establishment of dedicated data centre parks and plug-and-play campuses
It will also ensure a policy feedback mechanism to refine the Data Centre Policy 4.0, enhancing competitiveness, investment speed, and project execution.
Building the Next Digital Infrastructure Hub
State officials emphasized that this initiative aims to convert large-scale investment commitments into operational facilities. With its coastal advantage, energy capacity, and port infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh is positioned to become a leading digital economy hub.
The Council also aims to foster talent development, research collaboration, and skill training for emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Static GK fact: Andhra Pradesh was the first Indian state to roll out a Fibre Grid project connecting over 13,000 villages with broadband access.
Strategic and Economic Outlook
Describing data centres as the “refineries of the AI era,” Nara Lokesh highlighted their role in driving economic growth and technological advancement. Andhra Pradesh’s proactive approach combines policy support, renewable power, and industrial collaboration to attract global players and strengthen India’s digital backbone.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Andhra Pradesh Data Centre Advisory Council Targets 6,000 MW by 2030:
| Topic | Detail |
| Initiative | Andhra Pradesh Data Centre Advisory Council |
| Target Capacity | 6,000 MW by 2030 |
| Chairperson | Nara Lokesh, Minister for ITE&C |
| Major Investments | Google (1 GW), Sify Infinity (550 MW) |
| Policy Framework | Data Centre Policy 4.0 |
| Key Members | Microsoft, NTT GDC, ST Telemedia, Schneider Electric, Nasscom, DSCI |
| Primary Focus | Renewable energy integration, high-capacity fibre, plug-and-play campuses |
| Location Focus | Visakhapatnam |
| Strategic Vision | Make Andhra Pradesh a data hub in South Asia |
| Notable Quote | “Data centres are the refineries of the AI era” – Nara Lokesh |
