Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh’s digital transformation was spotlighted at the India Mobile Congress 2025 in New Delhi. State Finance Minister and Cabinet Minister Mr. O.P. Choudhary addressed a roundtable of IT ministers, outlining the state’s roadmap for telecom growth, data infrastructure, and innovation.
Cooperative Federalism Powers Telecom Growth
Mr. Choudhary praised the collaborative push between the Union and state governments as a model of cooperative federalism. Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s adoption of the Right of Way (ROW) Rules, 2024, effective January 1, 2025, he confirmed that the state will integrate with the central ROW portal to accelerate infrastructure deployment.
Focus on Connectivity, Cybersecurity and Innovation
In his address, the Finance Minister underscored priorities: expanding mobile networks in remote areas, inviting IT investment, strengthening cybersecurity, and setting up data centres. He also noted special focus on Left Wing Extremism (LWE)‑affected districts, with plans to install approximately 1,600 towers in low‑population, security‑sensitive zones.
Dharti Aba Scheme & Satellite Connectivity for Remote Areas
Mr. Choudhary pushed for more approvals under the Dharti Aba scheme and proposed state‑specific plans to enhance connectivity. In challenging forested terrain where ground infrastructure is difficult, he advocated use of satellite‑based projects to bring digital access to the most remote hamlets.
Projecting BharatNet Phase III & Gram Panchayat Empowerment
Chhattisgarh has submitted a proposal worth 3,761.15 crore under BharatNet Project Phase III, targeting optical‑fiber internet in 5,659 gram panchayats. This would unlock telemedicine, e‑governance, digital payments, and more — a key step in realizing a fully connected Digital India under Mr. Sai’s guidance.
Raipur’s First AI Data Centre Park: Local Tech Hub in Making
The state has already made strides with the launch of India’s first AI‑based data centre park in Nava Raipur (Sector 22). Operated by RackBank Datacenters, it spans 13.5 acres, with an initial investment of 1,000 crore and plans to scale up to 3,000 crore. The facility hosts 80 MW capacity capable of housing 100,000 GPUs, with a 2.7‑hectare AI‑dedicated SEZ.
Invitation to Nations, States & PSUs: Data Investment in Chhattisgarh
At the IMC, Mr. Choudhary extended an open invitation to states, central PSUs, and global tech players to establish disaster recovery centres in Chhattisgarh. He assured investors of a single‑window facilitation system, ease of approvals, and full state cooperation.
Development, Jobs, and Inclusive Growth
This push is not merely about infrastructure; it is also a jobs mission. The data centre parks are expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, especially benefiting local youth and tribal populations. The integration of connectivity projects in remote areas also ensures no region is left behind in the state’s digital leap.
