Nxtra by Airtel leads gigawatt-scale data center construction in strategic partnership, driving a national digital infrastructure milestone.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 28: Google broke ground today on its landmark AI hub in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh — the company’s largest investment in India yet. Nxtra by Airtel, alongside AdaniConneX, will spearhead construction of this gigawatt-scale ecosystem, leveraging Nxtra’s best-in-class data centers, pan-India ultra-low-latency fiber, green power, and next-gen cable landing station to reinforce Google’s commitment to India’s economic and environmental resilience.
The Tarluvada ceremony featured dignitaries: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister for Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT); Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu (AP Chief Minister); Shri Nara Lokesh (AP IT Minister); Shri Bikash Koley (Google Cloud VP); Shri Karan and Jeet Adani (Adani Group Directors); Shri Rakesh Mittal (Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman).
Speaking about the event, Gopal Vittal, Bharti Airtel Executive Vice Chairman, said:
“Through our strategic partnership with Google and Adani to build this landmark AI hub, we will help advance India’s digital ambitions. With Visakhapatnam emerging as a new hub on the world’s AI map, we will ensure that India sets the pace for innovation and sustainable growth, not just for our people, but for the whole world. Our full stack of best-in-class data centers, use of green power, pan-India ultra-low-latency fiber, and a next-gen cable landing station will enable large-scale, world-class AI infrastructure in Vizag.”
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble IT Minister, Government of India: “The groundbreaking ceremony of India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam reflects Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of making India, a global leader in technology. Thanks to the support and commitment of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu Ji, in realising this vision.The India AI Hub and three subsea cables landing in Visakhapatnam will become very important infrastructure for the country’s journey forward. Thank you Google for your continued trust in India.”
Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: “Andhra Pradesh is emerging as India’s premier investment destination, powered by speed, trust, and ease of doing business. Google’s AI hub in Visakhapatnam will be a cornerstone of our growing tech corridor, driving innovation, creating high-value opportunities for our youth, and strengthening our position in the global digital economy. Our vision goes beyond attracting investment – we want local talent, startups, and enterprises to become active partners in this technology-driven growth story. With the strong support of the Central Government and in line with the vision of a developed India, this partnership with Google reflects our commitment to combining cutting-edge innovation with inclusive growth, ensuring opportunities reach every community across Andhra Pradesh.”
Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud: “Today’s groundbreaking is a powerful realization of our shared vision with the Indian government, and an inflection point for the country’s AI-native future. Together we are laying the foundation for Viksit Bharat and opening new doors for economic opportunity nationwide. The Google AI hub will serve as a catalyst for growth built on deep community partnerships.”
Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Group: “India’s AI moment will be defined by infrastructure. What we are building in Visakhapatnam, nearly 1 GW in a single location, signals that shift. When energy becomes more affordable and increasingly powered by clean sources, intelligence becomes more accessible and that is how India will lead the next phase of digital growth.”
US$15 Billion Viksit Bharat Blueprint
Part of Google’s $15 billion five-year (2026–2030) commitment, the hub features three data center campuses led by Nxtra by Airtel and AdaniConneX. Nxtra’s expertise enables the America-India Connect fiber initiative, supports clean energy goals of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, and delivers low-latency AI services for businesses nationwide.
Community Impact Initiatives
Google’s community-first approach, supported by Nxtra’s regional footprint, includes:
- Water Futures: Watershed management with Sponge Collaborative (RO plants, water ATMs, agriculture and fishery support).
- Maritime Trades: 1,000+ fisherfolk trained via Sambhav Foundation (GPS, UPI, welfare access).
- Grassroots Innovation: Udaan Fund for AI labs, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship (ChangeX).
- Women-Led Enterprises: NARI Shakti for 10,000+ women (Learning Links Foundation).
- Workforce Readiness: STAR program (1,000+ skilled workers); AI training for 1,200+ (ICT Academy).
Bharat AI Shakti Conclave
This conclave, held with the Andhra Pradesh Government, convened partners to build an AI corridor, prioritizing local procurement and SME integration, powered by Nxtra’s infrastructure.
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