Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, said he never imagined that Visakhapatnam would one day emerge as a global hub for Artificial Intelligence.

Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Pichai reflected on his student days and how his perception of the coastal city has transformed over time.

A Personal Memory from Student Days

Pichai shared a nostalgic anecdote from his time as a student at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

“As a student, I used to often take the Coromandel Express train from Chennai up to IIT-Kharagpur. To get there, we pass through Visakhapatnam. I remember it being a quiet and modest coastal city brimming with potential,” he said.

The reference to the Coromandel Express added a personal touch to his remarks, connecting India’s infrastructure journeys of the past with its technological evolution today.

From Coastal City to AI Hub

Visakhapatnam, often referred to as Vizag, has seen rapid growth in technology infrastructure, digital ecosystems and startup activity in recent years.

Pichai’s remarks underline:

• The transformation of tier-2 cities into technology centres

• The decentralisation of India’s innovation ecosystem

• The rise of AI-led development beyond traditional metro cities

His statement highlights how India’s digital and AI ambitions are now extending to emerging urban centres.

India’s Expanding AI Landscape

At the summit, Pichai emphasised the broader growth of Artificial Intelligence across India, pointing to increasing adoption, talent development and global collaborations.

India has emerged as a key market for AI innovation, supported by:

• Strong engineering talent

• Expanding startup ecosystems

• Government-backed digital initiatives

• Growing global partnerships

Visakhapatnam’s emergence as an AI hub reflects this wider structural shift in India’s technology landscape.

Symbol of India’s Transformation

Pichai’s reflection serves as a reminder of India’s rapid transformation over the past few decades — from modest beginnings in many cities to becoming a global digital powerhouse.

What was once remembered as a quiet coastal stop on a student’s train journey is now being recognised on the global stage as an Artificial Intelligence hub.

Conclusion

Sundar Pichai’s remarks at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 underscore both personal nostalgia and national progress. His reflection on Visakhapatnam’s rise symbolises India’s broader journey — from potential to global technological prominence in the AI era.

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