India’s First Artificial Intelligence Special Economic Zone
India is set to establish its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This landmark project aims to position India as a global technology hub. The SEZ will be developed by RackBank Datacenters Pvt. Ltd. with an investment of ₹1,000 crore. It is expected to enhance AI research, development, and deployment across the country.
Overview of the AI SEZ
The AI SEZ will cover six acres and feature a 1.5 lakh square foot data centre. This facility will include advanced servers and systems designed for AI technologies. The SEZ aims to support large-scale digital operations and house four high-density data centres with a combined capacity of 80 megawatts.
Economic and Social Impact
The project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities. Young people from remote districts like Kanker and Sukma will have access to world-class jobs. This initiative may reduce the need for migration to larger cities. The SEZ is expected to attract leading global technology companies such as Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta.
Regulatory Framework and Benefits
The AI SEZ will benefit from tax exemptions and regulatory relaxations. These incentives are part of the SEZ framework designed to encourage global and domestic firms. The SEZ policy, established in 2005, aims to promote exports and attract foreign investment.
Current Status of SEZs in India
As of now, India has approved 423 SEZs, with 270 operational. These zones span various sectors, including information technology, biotechnology, and manufacturing. Most operational SEZs are located in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Future Prospects
The AI SEZ is expected to transform Chhattisgarh into a key player in the digital economy. It aligns with national initiatives like Digital India and Make in India. The state government sees this as a strategic move to enhance technological capabilities.
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