India’s First AI-Focused SEZ to Come Up in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Raipur, May 29 (KNN) In a major push to establish India as a global technology leader, the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be developed in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The project, led by Indore-based RackBank Datacenters Pvt. Ltd., involves an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.

Spread over six acres, the RackBank SEZ will include a 1.5 lakh square foot facility designed to host high-density data centres with a total capacity of 80 megawatts.

The infrastructure will support large-scale AI research, development, and deployment, positioning Raipur as a digital powerhouse.

The SEZ will benefit from tax incentives and relaxed regulations, attracting major global technology firms like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta. For the first time, India aims to be not just a user but a producer and exporter of AI services.

Significantly, the project promises to transform the region socially and economically. Youth from districts such as Kanker, Sukma, Bilaspur, and Dantewada will gain access to world-class jobs in AI and digital technology—reducing the need to migrate to metros like Bengaluru.

RackBank CEO Narendra Sen said the centre will offer roles for IT engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and network professionals.

The company will also work with ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering colleges in Chhattisgarh to offer training programs aligned with industry needs.

Currently, India has 423 approved SEZs, with 270 operational across various sectors like IT, biotech, textiles, and engineering.

The SEZ policy, launched in 2005, aims to boost exports, attract investment, and create jobs. While most SEZs are in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, this marks a major breakthrough for central India’s digital aspirations.

(KNN Bureau)