Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 15 (HBTV): In a significant development poised to reshape India’s digital future, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence-based Data Center Park in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur.

Spread across 13.5 acres, the park represents a major stride towards India’s ambition to become a global digital leader. A 2.7-hectare portion of the facility will be developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and the entire project will be operated by RackBank Datacenters Private Limited, with a dedicated focus on AI-based services.

The first phase of the project will begin with a capacity of 5 megawatts and is slated for expansion up to 150 megawatts. An additional investment of approximately INR 2,000 crore is anticipated in the future. Designed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, the facility will incorporate green and energy-efficient technologies.

Along with data storage and processing, the park will offer advanced services in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), health-tech, defence, fin-tech, and data analytics. It will feature GPU-based high-performance computing infrastructure, recording capabilities, live data streaming, and AI processing services of global standards.

The project is expected to generate around 500 direct and 1,500 indirect employment opportunities, with local youth given priority in hiring. Officials stated that the initiative will not only position Chhattisgarh as a key player in the technology sector but also create substantial opportunities for local talent. Services such as GPU-based computing, AI processing, data analytics, and real-time data streaming will be made available under one roof.

‘This is not just a data center; it’s the digital backbone for a new era of growth and empowerment,’ said Chief Minister Sai. He described the initiative as transformational for the youth, farmers, and tribal communities of the state, expressing confidence that Chhattisgarh will emerge as the heartbeat of Digital India.

According to officials, the park will facilitate thousands of jobs in IT, data analytics, and technical support, allowing Chhattisgarh's youth to pursue careers in technology without relocating to metropolitan cities like Delhi or Mumbai.

They also noted that AI-powered solutions will support smart farming, accurate weather forecasting, and effective crop management, improving agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. Additionally, tribal and remote regions will gain improved digital access to education, healthcare, and government services.

The park is expected to handle both national and international data traffic, enhancing government service delivery and helping the state achieve digital self-reliance.

(ANI)