Bhubaneswar, July 24 (UDN): In a landmark investment for Odisha’s fast-growing technology sector, HCL Technologies (HCLTech) is set to establish its first company-owned, AI-optimised data centre in India in Bhubaneswar with a proposed investment of around Rs 730 crore.
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The project, which also includes a Global Development Centre (GDC), is expected to create nearly 6,000 high-skilled employment opportunities, significantly strengthening Odisha’s ambitions to emerge as a leading destination for artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technology services.
According to official sources, 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 secured approval from the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA).
AI-Focused Integrated Technology Campus
The proposed integrated campus is likely to be developed at Info Valley-II in Bhubaneswar. Designed to support next-generation AI computing workloads, the facility will serve as a strategic hub for delivering AI solutions, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital engineering and enterprise technology services to HCLTech’s global clientele.
The project represents a significant milestone for HCLTech, marking the company’s first owned data centre in India. While the IT major has long provided cloud transformation, infrastructure management and data centre services, the Bhubaneswar facility signals its transition into owning and operating large-scale AI-ready infrastructure.
Part of Larger Data Centre Expansion
The Odisha project aligns with HCLTech’s broader strategy to expand its digital infrastructure footprint. The company recently unveiled a Rs 3,500-crore investment plan to build a dedicated data centre business through newly established subsidiaries.
HCLTech plans to develop a network with a capacity of up to 50 megawatts, enabling it to meet the rapidly rising global demand for AI-driven computing, hyperscale cloud services and enterprise technology solutions.
Speaking earlier on the company’s expansion plans, CEO C. Vijayakumar noted that worldwide demand for data centre capacity is expected to nearly triple by 2030, with India emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets.
Boost to Odisha’s Digital Ecosystem
The investment further reinforces Bhubaneswar’s growing reputation as an emerging digital infrastructure hub. The city is already home to the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Data Centre and the Odisha State Data Centre, while the Reserve Bank of India is nearing completion of its own data centre facility.
In addition, the Adani Group has announced plans to establish a hyperscale data centre in Bhubaneswar, with the Odisha government also working on another next-generation digital infrastructure project.
With HCLTech’s latest investment, Odisha is poised to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for AI innovation, cloud technologies and high-value technology investments, while creating thousands of skilled jobs and accelerating the state’s digital transformation.