ENA State 2025-05-29 15:07:09 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Raipur, May 29 (KNN)</strong> In a major push to establish India as a global technology leader, the countrys first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be developed in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The project, led by Indore-based RackBank Datacenters Pvt. Ltd., involves an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The infrastructure will support large-scale AI research, development, and deployment, positioning Raipur as a digital powerhouse.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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&mdash;reducing the need to migrate to metros like Bengaluru.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">RackBank CEO Narendra Sen said the centre will offer roles for IT engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and network professionals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The company will also work with ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering colleges in Chhattisgarh to offer training programs aligned with industry needs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, India has 423 approved SEZs, with 270 operational across various sectors like IT, biotech, textiles, and engineering.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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 Indias digital aspirations.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42251 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/indias-first-ai-focused-sez-to-come-up-in-nava-raipur-chhattisgarh 2025-05-29 15:07:09 knnindia.co.in