Nara Lokesh Says Andhra Has 5 Years to Build Data Centre Ecosystem
Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh says the state is racing to build a large data centre ecosystem, with a cluster-based strategy focused on infrastructure, skills and investment.
Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh said the state is "in a hurry" to build its data centre ecosystem, with the government having five years to deliver visible results. Speaking at the India Today Conclave South 2026, Lokesh said younger generations, particularly Gen Z, expect faster and more tangible changes from governments.
He said speed would be a key focus of the state's strategy and that Andhra Pradesh plans to develop data centres through a cluster-based model rather than spreading facilities randomly across the state.
According to Lokesh, the proposed clusters will be planned around essential infrastructure such as energy and water. The government is reportedly considering 23 clusters as part of the broader strategy.
The minister said the plan goes beyond attracting large investments. Andhra Pradesh wants to build an ecosystem covering multiple parts of the data centre value chain, including skilling, testing and certification.
The approach is aimed at helping the state compete with other regions seeking major technology investments. Lokesh said the focus would be on creating an integrated ecosystem rather than simply putting up large facilities and calling it a tech revolution.
With data demand growing rapidly, Andhra Pradesh is betting on speed, infrastructure and skilled talent to turn its data centre ambitions into a larger technology ecosystem.
