Reliance Industries is preparing for a big move in AI infrastructure, with plans to invest around $17.2 billion in a new data centre cluster in Visakhapatnam.
If completed as planned, this would be the largest AI-focused data centre setup in India, with a total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts. That’s even bigger than the 1 GW campus currently being built nearby by Google. What stands out is that Reliance isn’t just building data centres—it’s also planning its own solar power and battery storage to support the project.
The plan has already received approval from the state, and the rollout will happen in phases. The first phase, with 500 MW capacity, is expected to be ready by October 2028. The remaining expansion is likely to follow over the next couple of years, with full completion targeted around 2030.
The project is expected to come up near Bhogapuram, close to the upcoming airport, an area that is quickly becoming a key hub for data centre development. Reliance has reportedly requested about 935 acres of land, along with additional space for supporting infrastructure like a cable landing station and a desalination plant.
This investment comes at a time when Visakhapatnam is seeing a surge in similar projects. On the same day, Google also pushed ahead with its own $15 billion data centre plan in the region.
Other companies such as Sify Technologies, Digital Connexion, RMZ Corp, and Anant Raj Limited are also investing in the city. Together, these projects are helping Andhra Pradesh move closer to its goal of becoming a major data centre hub.
A large part of Reliance’s investment will go into building the data centre itself, while the rest will support renewable energy, including a large solar project. The approach reflects a growing trend—companies are not just expanding AI infrastructure, but also making sure it’s backed by sustainable energy.
Also Read: OpenAI and Reliance Partner to Introduce AI Search on JioHotstar
