Nara Lokesh: ₹1 Lakh Crore Investments Proposed in Andhra’s IT, Electronics, and Data Sectors
Minister for IT and Education Nara Lokesh. | Photo Credit: File photo via The Hindu
Amaravati | July 16, 2025 — Minister for HRD, IT, and Electronics Nara Lokesh announced that 95 major companies have so far proposed a total investment of ₹1 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh's IT, electronics, global capability centres (GCCs), and data centre sectors.
Speaking during a high-level review meeting with officials from the IT, Electronics, and Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) at his residence in Undavalli, Lokesh urged swift action to facilitate infrastructure and permissions to enable these companies to launch operations soon.
10 Lakh Jobs Targeted in 4 Years
Nara Lokesh laid out an ambitious goal for the State — to generate 10 lakh jobs over the next four years through sectoral growth in:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Electronics
- Data centres
- Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
Officials were directed to act proactively in resolving land and infrastructure requirements, streamlining approvals, and enhancing district-level capabilities to support incoming enterprises.
Big Names Ready to Launch in Visakhapatnam
The Minister was informed that land allotments for tech giants like TCS and Cognizant in Visakhapatnam have already been completed. He instructed the concerned departments to ensure early commencement of construction and operations for these companies.
Lokesh also highlighted the outcomes of his recent Bengaluru visit, where Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with ANSR and Sattva Group, whose projects are expected to generate 35,000 jobs in Andhra Pradesh.
Co-Working Spaces Across 26 Districts
To encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups, Lokesh directed officials to develop co-working hubs in all 26 district headquarters. These facilities are intended to offer accessible infrastructure to emerging entrepreneurs and IT professionals.
Ratan Tata Innovation Hub & Amaravati Quantum Valley
The Minister said the much-awaited Ratan Tata Innovation Hub — aimed at fostering startup culture and cutting-edge research — will be inaugurated shortly. He directed officials to ensure:
- Completion of regional spoke centres in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Anantapur
- Acceleration of infrastructure development for Amaravati Quantum Valley in partnership with TCS, L&T, and IBM
400-Acre ‘Drone City’ Project at Orvakal
Referring to the upcoming ‘Drone City’ project in Orvakal, Kurnool, Nara Lokesh said that the 400-acre facility should be developed into a full ecosystem supporting drone manufacturing, research, and training. He asked officials to start groundwork immediately to position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in drone technology.
Promoting ‘Mana Mitra’ Governance Services
Lokesh emphasized the need for mass outreach to promote the ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp-based public service platform. Currently, 535 out of 702 government services are accessible through the app. He called for awareness drives to increase public usage and ease citizen engagement with government systems.
Enhancing Connectivity in Schools and Airports
To ensure digital inclusion, the Minister instructed departments to:
- Provide internet access to all 45,000 government schools across Andhra Pradesh
- Ensure uninterrupted mobile network services at key airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Rajamahendravaram
These digital initiatives aim to improve education and connectivity infrastructure throughout the state.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
Minister Nara Lokesh’s roadmap for Andhra Pradesh's digital and economic transformation reflects a visionary push for job creation, infrastructure modernization, and IT excellence. The ₹1 lakh crore in proposed investments, if successfully implemented, could make Andhra one of India’s leading innovation and technology hubs in the coming decade.
With a strong focus on employment generation, tech ecosystem development, and public service delivery through digital means, the Lokesh-led IT strategy seems aligned with both global trends and local aspirations.