Code & Concrete: India’s First AI SEZ Set to Boot Up in Nava Raipur

In an exciting development for India’s tech scene, Nava Raipur in Chhattisgarh is set to become home to the country’s very first Artificial Intelligence-focused Special Economic Zone (AI SEZ). This groundbreaking project is backed by RackBank Data Centers, which is investing a whopping ₹1,000 crore. The facility will cover more than 13.5 acres, including a 2.7-hectare SEZ, and will boast a cutting-edge 1.5 lakh sq ft data center, outfitted with high-performance computing systems and servers specifically designed for advanced AI tasks.

 

The AI SEZ aims to put Chhattisgarh on the map as a key player in the digital and tech world. Plans include four high-density data centers to enhance digital infrastructure across several states, with the first phase set to deliver 80MW of capacity, and the potential to ramp up to 160MW and 100,000 GPUs, positioning it as one of the most sophisticated AI campuses in the area. Innovative direct-to-chip and immersion cooling technologies will be implemented to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

 

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the initiative as a “new beginning for the state,” highlighting its potential to create over 500 direct IT jobs and establish Chhattisgarh as a tech powerhouse. RackBank CEO Narendra Sen described the project as a strategic move, aiming to position India as a producer and host of AI services rather than just a consumer. The SEZ will also encourage partnerships with local academic institutions, providing specialized training to equip young people for future roles in the AI industry.

 

Major global tech players like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta are anticipated to take advantage of this facility, marking a significant step forward in India’s journey toward digital self-reliance.

 

Source: Times of India, Economic Times, India Today