Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to Odisha’s rapidly expanding technology ecosystem, HCL Technologies (HCLTech) is set to establish its first company-owned artificial intelligence (AI)-optimised data centre in India in Bhubaneswar with a proposed investment of around ₹730 crore.
The project will also house a Global Development Centre (GDC) and is expected to create nearly 6,000 high-skilled employment opportunities, further strengthening Odisha’s position as a leading destination for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital infrastructure.
MoU Likely To Be Signed With Odisha Government
According to reports, HCLTech is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Odisha government on Friday in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra.
The proposal has already received approval from the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), paving the way for the project’s implementation.
AI-Ready Campus Planned At Info Valley II
The integrated technology campus is proposed to be developed at Info Valley II in Bhubaneswar.
Designed to support next-generation AI computing workloads, the facility will enable HCLTech to deliver advanced services in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital engineering and enterprise technology to global clients from its Odisha operations.
The Global Development Centre will also serve as a key hub for software development, innovation and digital transformation projects.
First Company-Owned Data Centre In India
The upcoming facility marks a significant milestone for HCLTech. Although the company has been providing data centre management, cloud transformation and IT infrastructure services to clients worldwide for years, this will be its first company-owned data centre in India.
The project aligns with HCLTech’s recently announced ₹3,500 crore investment strategy to build a dedicated data centre business through newly established subsidiaries.
AI Demand Driving Expansion
HCLTech plans to develop a data centre network with a capacity of up to 50 megawatts to cater to the rapidly increasing demand for AI-driven computing, cloud infrastructure and enterprise technology services.
HCLTech Chief Executive Officer C. Vijayakumar has previously stated that global demand for data centres is expected to nearly triple by 2030, with India’s requirement projected to grow at an even faster pace due to accelerating digital transformation and AI adoption.
Bhubaneswar Emerging As Digital Infrastructure Hub
The investment further reinforces Bhubaneswar’s emergence as one of India’s fastest-growing digital infrastructure hubs.
The city already hosts several strategic technology facilities, including the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Data Centre and the Odisha State Data Centre. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is also nearing completion of its own data centre in the city.
In addition, the Adani Group has announced plans to establish a hyperscale data centre in Bhubaneswar, while the Odisha government is working on another next-generation digital infrastructure project.
The addition of HCLTech’s AI-optimised data centre is expected to significantly enhance the state’s technology ecosystem, attract further investments and position Odisha as a major hub for AI innovation, cloud services and digital infrastructure in eastern India.
