Technology – Reliance Plans Massive AI Data Centre Expansion in Visakhapatnam
Technology – India’s push toward advanced digital infrastructure is receiving a significant boost as major corporations outline ambitious plans in the data centre and artificial intelligence space. A new development highlights the scale of investments expected to transform Visakhapatnam into a key technology hub.
Reliance Announces Large-Scale Investment Proposal
Reliance Industries Limited is preparing to invest nearly Rs 1.6 lakh crore to establish a large artificial intelligence-focused data centre cluster in Visakhapatnam. According to information available through official channels, the proposal has already received approval from the State Investment Promotion Board, paving the way for further development.
The planned facility will have a total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts, making it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country’s digital sector. The project is expected to be developed across a vast area of approximately 935 acres, indicating the scale at which the company intends to operate.
Strategic Location Near Upcoming Airport
The selected site lies close to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, which is expected to enhance connectivity and logistics support for the project. Officials familiar with the plan suggest that the location was chosen for its strategic advantages, including accessibility and future growth potential.
The development will take place in two phases. In the initial phase, around 300 acres of land will be utilized, while the remaining 635 acres will be developed in the second phase. This phased approach is expected to allow for gradual scaling of operations while ensuring efficient resource management.
Timeline and Development Phases
The first phase of the project, which will have a capacity of 500 megawatts, is targeted to become operational by October 2028. Completion of the entire cluster is expected by 2030, subject to regulatory and infrastructure timelines.
The data centre cluster will also incorporate dedicated renewable energy support. Plans include a captive solar power setup along with battery storage systems, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted and sustainable energy supply for the facility.
Growing Competition in Visakhapatnam
Reliance’s announcement comes at a time when Visakhapatnam is attracting significant attention from global technology players. Recently, Google revealed its plan to invest $15 billion in the region to build a 1 gigawatt data centre facility. This announcement was made during the foundation ceremony of its Google Cloud India AI Hub.
With multiple large-scale investments being planned, the coastal city is emerging as a major destination for digital infrastructure development. The combination of strategic location, government support, and availability of land has made Visakhapatnam an attractive choice for companies looking to expand their data centre operations.
Potential Impact on India’s Digital Ecosystem
If completed as planned, the Reliance project is expected to become the largest data centre cluster in India. Industry observers believe that such developments could significantly enhance the country’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data storage.
The project is also likely to generate employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. Additionally, it may encourage ancillary industries and technology firms to set up operations in the region, contributing to overall economic growth.
While the full impact will become clearer over time, the scale of investment signals strong confidence in India’s digital future and its growing demand for high-capacity data infrastructure.