Sources: 
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is initiating the construction of India’s largest data centre cluster, projected to expand to 1.5 GW capacity near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
RIL’s investment of
₹1.6 lakh crore (over $17 billion) exceeds Google’s current project capacity of
1 GW, which has drawn admiration and concern alike.
The first phase will involve constructing a
500 MW data centre at Polipalli village, with full operation projected by
October 2028.
This ambitious project, however, faces backlash over the
environmental clearance process. Activists argue that this rapid approval process overlooked crucial appraisals required by the environmental laws.
The Andhra Pradesh State Environment Impact Assessment Authority recently provided clearance for multiple projects, though critics contend that the proximity to
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary should necessitate a more rigorous examination.
The Human Rights Forum raised alarms regarding potential impacts on
water use, air pollution, and ecological consequences, suggesting inadequate public engagement during the clearance process.
Despite these concerns, the state government touts the project as a cornerstone for positioning Visakhapatnam as a high-tech investment hub, following a wave of major IT investments, including a
Google Data Centre.
Furthermore, the Andhra Pradesh Data Centre Policy 4.0 provides numerous incentives, such as
100% state GST reimbursement on capital goods to spur further investments into the sector.
Sources: Reliance Industries plans to invest ₹1.6 lakh crore (over $17 billion) in Andhra Pradesh to build India’s largest data centre cluster near Visakhapatnam, facing scrutiny over the environmental clearance process, which some activists claim bypassed necessary appraisals amid significant regional investment efforts.
