In a major boost to Assam’s digital and IT infrastructure, Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced the establishment of four hyperscale data centres in the state. These will be the largest in Asia, covering a massive 1 million square feet, reinforcing Assam’s role as a key player in India’s technological advancements.
The announcement was made on February 25 at the Advantage Assam business summit, where Scindia highlighted the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the region’s telecom and IT sectors. A total investment of Rs 400 crore is being made to enhance digital infrastructure in the state.
Hyperscale Data Centres: A Game Changer for Assam
Hyperscale data centres are critical for supporting large-scale cloud computing, data storage, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Assam’s new hyperscale data centres will:
- Provide robust cloud computing capabilities.
- Strengthen digital connectivity across the Northeast.
- Attract major IT and technology firms to the region.
- Generate employment opportunities in the tech sector.
Scindia emphasized the Centre’s vision to make the Northeast a technology-driven powerhouse. He stated, “The first data centre in the Northeast was inaugurated by PM Modi last year. Along with the 5G network, we are now looking at Asia’s four largest hyperscale data centres in Assam.”
Boosting Assam’s Digital & Telecom Infrastructure
Apart from the hyperscale data centres, the minister also highlighted various digital initiatives undertaken in Assam:
- Investment of Rs 400 crore to enhance Assam’s telecom and IT infrastructure.
- Expansion of 5G connectivity across the state.
- Establishment of three 5G labs in Assam: two at IIT-Guwahati and NIT Silchar, and a newly announced one at Gauhati University.
- Investments in research and development (R&D) projects at IIT-Guwahati through the Telecom Technology Development Fund.
Scindia stressed the importance of research and innovation in driving digital transformation, stating, “We must ensure that we invest in R&D, and the government is taking the first step forward.”
Assam: The Digital and Economic Engine of the Northeast
Scindia lauded Assam’s rapid economic growth and its potential to become the digital hub of the Northeast. He noted that Assam’s economy grew by 19.6% last year and is projected to expand by 15% this year.
He also described Assam as a manufacturing and logistics powerhouse with immense potential to connect India to Southeast Asian markets. Scindia urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to rename the Advantage Assam summit as Advantage India, signifying the state’s growing role in the country’s economic and digital ecosystem.
“Assam has all the potential and capability to be an important part of the PM’s vision for a developed India by 2047,” he added.
Centre’s Investment in the Northeast
The Union Minister highlighted the massive investments made by the Centre in the Northeast over the past five years:
- Rs 5.27 lakh crore invested in infrastructure development.
- Rs 1.3 lakh crore allocated in the last fiscal year alone.
- Expansion of airport infrastructure: The Northeast now has 17 airports, up from just nine a few years ago.
- Strengthening of road and rail networks to improve regional connectivity.
The establishment of Asia’s largest hyperscale data centres in Assam marks a transformative step in the state’s journey towards becoming a digital and technological powerhouse. By positioning itself at the forefront of cloud computing, AI, and data storage, Assam is set to attract global tech giants, IT companies, and digital enterprises, further integrating the region into India’s digital economy.
The Rs. 400 crore investment in telecom and IT infrastructure, coupled with the expansion of 5G networks, digital connectivity, and R&D facilities, will not only boost technological innovation but also create thousands of employment opportunities for skilled professionals in Assam and the Northeast. The region’s youth, particularly those in engineering and IT fields, will benefit immensely from the growing digital ecosystem, opening doors to high-paying tech jobs and entrepreneurial ventures.
Moreover, Assam’s growing role as a manufacturing and logistics hub reinforces its strategic importance in India’s Act East Policy, facilitating stronger trade and connectivity with Southeast Asian nations. The rapid expansion of airports, railways, and highways, along with the Centre’s Rs 5.27 lakh crore investment in Northeast infrastructure, will further enhance Assam’s attractiveness for domestic and international investors.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, Assam is emerging as a key player in India’s digital revolution, industrial expansion, and regional economic integration. As these ambitious projects take shape, Assam is not just benefiting from India’s growth story but is actively driving it forward, paving the way for a tech-savvy, innovation-driven future.
