Visakhapatnam: The key information technology (IT) sector players in Andhra Pradesh are expecting a slew of measures to put the IT sector back on track. They are anticipating the implementation of a new IT policy with enforceable provisions and favourable policies.Speaking to TOI, a few stakeholders suggested developing a new IT park on 23 acres of land in Hill Number 3 of the IT SEZ in Rushikonda under a public-private partnership model. They also recommended requesting the Union government’s Software Technology Parks of India for a new IT incubation centre, establishing the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in Visakhapatnam to bring supercomputers, setting up a National Internet Exchange of India to reduce internet costs, and operationalising a submarine landing cable from Singapore for faster internet. The sector also expects the development of two new IT concept cities in Rushikonda and Bhogapuram. They hope that speeding up the works on Adani data centre in Visakhapatnam will bring momentum to the sector. A foundation stone for the project was laid a year ago.According to IT industry experts in the city, several issues have been plaguing the industry in Vizag, such as a lack of ready-made built-up space or IT Parks, limited international connectivity, delays in the release of incentives, and potential job seekers relocating to tier-I cities.Rushikonda IT Park Association vice-president O Naresh Kumar said he wrote a letter to IT minister Nara Lokesh with various suggestions. “Hyderabad was transformed into a IT hub when N Chandrababu Naidu was the CM. Now, we hope for the same transformative progress under his governance,” he said.“The development of a robust IT infrastructure will drive growth, innovation and technological advancements in the region. For example, the new Millennium Tower, with 3.5 lakh square feet of vacant space, can give 25,000 sq ft each free of cost for rent for three years to the top 10 IT companies in India to start operations with 1,000 employees each. Similarly, they can allot 10 lakh sq ft of vacant space in Hill 2 and Hill 3 in Rushikonda to new companies at a 50% rent subsidy. We request the govt to clear past dues. Meeting the local industry once every quarter will help understand their issues. Any major IT player can set up a finishing school/training campus similar to the Infosys IT Mysore campus. Similarly, developing a new skill development centre with the help of Union govt should be a priority to teach and train in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, animation/gaming/VFX, etc.,” he said.