India to Launch First AI SEZ in Nava Raipur with ₹1,000 Crore Investment
India to Launch First AI SEZ in Nava Raipur with ₹1,000 Crore Investment
In a significant move to strengthen India’s position as a global technology hub, the country’s first artificial intelligence-focused Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be developed in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The project, led by Indore-based Rack Bank Datacentres Pvt. Ltd., will involve an investment of ₹1,000 crore and aims to create a cutting-edge environment for AI research, development, and deployment, according to a commerce ministry order cited by the Chhattisgarh government.
The SEZ will span six acres and include a 1.5 lakh sq. ft. facility outfitted with advanced servers capable of powering high-density AI workloads. Plans include developing four data centers with a combined 80 MW capacity, enough to support large-scale digital operations across several states.
Strategic Benefits and Global Tech Integration
As part of the SEZ framework, the project will benefit from tax exemptions and regulatory relaxations, making it attractive for both domestic and international AI companies. According to the state government, major global players like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta are expected to establish operations within the zone.
The initiative marks a turning point for India, not just as a consumer of AI, but as a producer and exporter of advanced AI services. The digital ecosystem being built in Nava Raipur is intended to function as a national “digital nerve centre.”
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Local Impact and Workforce Development
Beyond infrastructure, the SEZ aims to drive regional development. Youth from districts like Kanker, Sukma, Bilaspur, and Dantewada will gain access to high-quality employment without needing to migrate. Rack Bank CEO Narendra Sen noted that roles will range from IT engineers to cybersecurity experts.
The company will collaborate with ITIs, engineering colleges, and polytechnics to launch training programs tailored to meet future workforce demands, bridging local talent with global AI opportunities.
