Rushikonda, once celebrated for its pristine beaches and scenic charm in Visakhapatnam, is now fast transforming into Andhra Pradesh’s very own Cyberabad. The region is witnessing a major IT boom, attracting top technology giants such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), and Infosys — setting the stage for a digital revolution in North Andhra.
Major IT Giants Set Up Base in Rushikonda
According to IT, Electronics, and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, both TCS and CTS have been allotted land at token prices to establish permanent campuses. The iconic Millennium Tower is being refurbished to serve as a temporary office space so that operations can commence within weeks. Accenture, too, has shown keen interest in launching its campus in the area. Meanwhile, Infosys, which currently operates from rented premises, is reportedly negotiating for land to set up a permanent base.
Visakhapatnam’s Industrial Boom
Visakhapatnam’s industrial ecosystem has received a massive boost through high-value investments. Among them are NTPC Green Energy Limited’s India’s first Green Hydrogen Hub, the ₹1.5 lakh crore greenfield steel plant by ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel (India), Google, Adani, and Bharti Airtel’s $15 billion AI data center, and Brookfield’s $12 billion green infrastructure initiative. These projects are shaping Vizag into one of India’s most promising hubs for technology, energy, and sustainability.
Rushikonda’s Journey: From Struggles to Success
Nearly two decades ago, Rushikonda’s IT Special Economic Zone (SEZ) faced multiple challenges, including inadequate bandwidth, poor public transport, and limited amenities. Today, the region has transformed into a buzzing tech corridor with new infrastructure, residential townships, and improved connectivity.
Murali Manohar Rao Bulusu, Director at Sankhya Technologies Pvt. Ltd., explained that Visakhapatnam’s unique natural setting — nestled between green hills and the sea — gives it an edge as a futuristic city for tech enterprises. He recalled that the Rushikonda IT Park, conceived in 2004–05, was one of the first state-backed efforts to create a tech hub outside Hyderabad.
The Road to Becoming a Tech Powerhouse
Vizag Urban Development Authority (now VMRDA) played a pivotal role by developing the IT Park with well-planned roads, drainage systems, and power infrastructure. The park became home to pioneering firms like Sankhya Technologies, Miracle Software, Symbiosys Technologies, and Nunet Technologies. Sustainability was prioritized through piped water systems and eco-friendly development practices.
Murali noted that the denotification of the SEZ in 2017 was a turning point, allowing faster growth and flexibility for investors. He emphasized that Rushikonda’s transformation, although gradual, is now accelerating with global tech players and domestic innovators converging in the region.
The Future of Andhra’s Tech Capital
Rushikonda is on track to emerge as a global tech innovation hub, with growing investments in AI, semiconductor design, and advanced research. The collaboration between major players like Google, Sankhya Technologies, and Andhra Pradesh’s tech talent is positioning Visakhapatnam as a powerful engine of India’s digital future.
