Airtel and Google Join Forces to Build India’s First Mega AI Hub and Data Center in Visakhapatnam
A major milestone in India’s digital transformation journey is on the horizon as Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel) and Google partner to establish the country’s first large-scale AI Hub and Data Center. The groundbreaking project, located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is set to become a cornerstone of India’s growing AI infrastructure.
💰 Massive Investment and Ambitious Timeline
The AI Hub project reflects an extraordinary commitment — a $15 billion (USD) investment from Google, planned over a five-year period (2026–2030).
Designed for massive computational capability, the upcoming infrastructure will feature:
Gigawatt-scale data center operations capable of handling the most demanding AI workloads.
Integration with a powerful subsea network and clean energy systems to ensure sustainability and performance.
Support from ecosystem partners like Airtel and AdaniConneX, helping bring the vision to life.
🏗️ Building the Foundation: Joint Infrastructure Effort
Under the partnership, Airtel and Google will jointly establish a purpose-built data center in Visakhapatnam. The contract for this project was awarded by Raiden Infotech India Pvt. Ltd., a Google subsidiary.
Key infrastructure components include:
Cable Landing Station (CLS):
A next-generation CLS will host Google’s new international subsea cables, directly connecting India to Google’s global network — boosting both speed and resilience.Fiber Network:
Airtel will develop a high-capacity, low-latency fibre network, spanning intra-city and inter-city routes, ensuring seamless connectivity across the country.
🚀 Strategic Goals and National Impact
This initiative marks a turning point for India’s digital and AI ecosystem. It’s designed not only to enhance infrastructure but also to empower India’s AI ambitions and promote digital inclusion.
Key objectives and outcomes include:
Strengthening the Digital Backbone:
Expanding India’s core digital infrastructure to support AI-driven industries and innovation.Accelerating AI Adoption:
Bringing Google’s full AI stack closer to Indian developers, enterprises, and consumers.Enabling Faster Experiences:
Enhancing speed and reliability for millions of Google users across India.Fostering AI Leadership:
Positioning India as a global AI powerhouse, leveraging the country’s talent and cutting-edge infrastructure.Driving Digital Inclusion:
Ensuring that AI-powered benefits reach every business, city, and community across the nation.
🌍 A New Global AI Destination: Visakhapatnam
With this landmark collaboration, Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as a key node on the global AI map — representing India’s ambition to lead the next wave of intelligent innovation.
