PM\'s visit brings Internet exchange to Vizag: BJP

VISHAKHAPATNAM: Rajya Sabha member and senior BJP leader G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Visakhapatnam has brought in an Internet exchange for the city.

Addressing a press conference on the success of the Prime Minister's tour, Narasimha Rao said that the government has decided to set up an internet exchange in Visakhapatnam in mid-January next year.

There are only eight Internet exchanges in the country, including all metros. Visakhapatnam will be the ninth city to receive this service. Internet exchanges are set up by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), established by the ministry of electronics and information technology to promote efficient use of the Internet in the country. A new Internet exchange in Visakhapatnam will enhance Internet speed and reduce bandwidth costs for all users. This will greatly improve the quality of people's lives and also promote the IT industry.

“Many companies are not coming to Andhra Pradesh due to the high cost of data and low speeds. With the cost of the Internet reduced by 30 to 40 per cent and the quality and speed of the internet also improving, the IT sector will see new investments in Vizag," Narasimha Rao said.

He added that the new exchange here would help IT establishments, the financial services sector, and the proposed financial and industrial corridors. This would significantly improve the quality of online banking services, as well as the speed of online rail and flight bookings and tax payments.

Talking about the new railway zone, he said the Railway board sanctioned the new zone on November 10, a day before the Prime Minister arrived in Visakhapatnam. A budget of Rs 106.89 crore was also sanctioned for the construction of the zone building.

Earlier, it was a provision, and now orders have been issued to start work. The railway minister visited the site, and tenders will be invited to start work soon, Rao told the reporters.

Calling it a memorable day, Rao said the Prime Minister’s visit to Visakhapatnam was a huge success and gave an impetus to the party in the state.