IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed happiness over the agreement signed with global tech giant Google, calling it a historic step made possible under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Lokesh reaffirmed that the government’s focus remains on developing one capital. He said Google was allotted 300 acres of land at a concessional rate of ₹5 lakh per acre.
He added that the government’s goal is the holistic growth of Andhra Pradesh, which is fast emerging as an electronics hub. “Greater Vizag has grown leaps and bounds in the past decade. Andhra Pradesh has become the address for the speed of business,” Lokesh said while speaking to the media.
Lokesh highlighted that, apart from data centres, many companies investing in Artificial Intelligence are setting up operations in Vizag, creating scope for over one lakh new jobs. He recalled the discussions that began with Google in 2024 involving CM Chandrababu Naidu, PM Narendra Modi, and Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, calling the final deal a moment of pride.
He added that more good news is expected for Andhra Pradesh in November, as several companies struggling in Bengaluru are now looking to shift operations to the state. “If other states have a double-engine government, Andhra Pradesh has a double-engine bullet train government,” Lokesh said.
Defending the state’s pro-investment policies, Lokesh questioned, “What’s wrong in giving land to TCS and Cognizant for 99 paise when the goal is to create 20 lakh jobs?” He contrasted visionaries who drive growth with prisonaries who block it, adding that Hyderabad stands as proof of visionary leadership.
As Education Minister, Lokesh also announced updates to academic syllabi to align with AI and emerging technologies. “No investor now believes the misinformation spread by YSRCP. Andhra Pradesh is back on the global investment map,” he said confidently.
