In a key announcement during the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Minister Nara Lokesh revealed that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will establish operations in Visakhapatnam within three months. He also outlined plans to create 5 lakh IT jobs over the next five years, urging all Assembly members to collaborate in attracting more IT companies, leveraging the success of Telugu professionals in the global IT industry.
The Minister emphasized that the growth of the IT sector in the state is a team effort and cannot be achieved by one person alone. To further support this, Lokesh announced that the state is preparing a new IT policy and has already started creating co-working spaces in tier-2 cities. He also revealed that big companies like Adani are showing interest in investing in Visakhapatnam, and data centers will soon be set up in the city’s IT hub, IT Hills. Additionally, discussions are underway with NIXI to bring a submarine internet cable from Singapore to enhance connectivity.
Lokesh highlighted ongoing efforts to build a strong IT ecosystem in Visakhapatnam, including the fast-tracked Bhogapuram airport and hotel development aligned with tourism policy. He promised incentives for IT companies to boost growth and transform Visakhapatnam into an IT hub. Lokesh also took pride in the TDP government’s past achievements, which saw 150 companies set up and 50,000 jobs created between 2014-2019.
Lokesh reflected on a past incident where a former minister dismissed the idea of hosting a Formula One race, damaging the state’s image. Since taking office, Lokesh has met with industry leaders who expressed frustration over the previous government’s corruption and lack of support. Unlike the past administration, the new coalition government is actively engaging with IT companies to address concerns and rebuild trust, while also noting that no industry conferences were held previously, driving companies away.