Andhra Pradesh’s Information Technology and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh announced plans for the state to produce 80% of India’s air conditioners by 2028. At the inauguration of an air-conditioner manufacturing unit in Sri City, Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a key HVAC manufacturing center, attracting major industry players. With significant investments and a growing ecosystem, the state is poised to become a leading hub for air conditioning production in India.
Lokesh revealed that several prominent AC manufacturers and supply chain companies are already established in Sri City, with substantial investments exceeding Rs 12,000 crore in the HVAC sector. Looking ahead, he outlined ambitious targets, aiming to manufacture 60% of India’s air conditioning needs by 2027 and 80% by 2028, with the support of Carrier. This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for approximately 3,000 individuals directly and indirectly.
The upcoming project, backed by a Rs 1,000 crore investment from a leading firm, is anticipated to further boost job creation and economic growth in the region. Lokesh praised Sri City’s success, noting its diverse industrial landscape hosting 250 companies from various countries and driving over $6 billion in exports. The minister emphasized the inclusive nature of job creation in Sri City, highlighting that half of the 70,000 jobs generated have been filled by women, showcasing the region’s commitment to gender equality in employment.
From automotive to electronics and precision engineering, Sri City exemplifies the essence of the Make in India and Made in Andhra Pradesh initiatives. Lokesh underscored the state’s vision to become a comprehensive data center hub, emphasizing the importance of developing a robust ecosystem around data centers. Recognizing the global significance of data centers and artificial intelligence, he expressed confidence in Andhra Pradesh’s ability to lead in this technological domain.
Lokesh stressed the necessity for advanced cooling systems, high-efficiency chillers, and precision manufacturing in data center operations, highlighting the importance of a supportive ecosystem for these facilities. He welcomed the firm’s decision to invest in Andhra Pradesh and Sri City, aligning with the state’s strategic objectives for digital and industrial growth.
