TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 9: 2025: Chhattisgarh’s rapid digital and technological advancements took center stage at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi, where Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary represented the state at a roundtable of IT ministers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state presented its vision for strengthening digital infrastructure and telecom expansion as part of the country’s digital transformation.
Addressing the session chaired by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Choudhary said the collaborative efforts of the Centre and the states in developing telecom infrastructure are a true reflection of cooperative federalism. He emphasized the need for further expansion of mobile networks, enhanced investment in information technology, stronger cyber security, and the promotion of innovative technologies.
Highlighting investment opportunities, Choudhary urged telecom and technology companies to expand mobile tower coverage and high-speed internet access in Chhattisgarh, especially in remote and tribal areas. He invited other states to establish data centers and disaster recovery facilities in Chhattisgarh, citing its low seismic risk, surplus power, and investor-friendly policies.
Choudhary informed that the state government has fully adopted the Right of Way (ROW) Rules, 2024, effective January 1, 2025, and has joined the central ROW portal to fast-track infrastructure projects. He stressed that telecom expansion in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts remains a top priority, with 1,600 mobile towers being installed in low-population and security-sensitive areas. He also requested special category status for Chhattisgarh under national network expansion programs like LWE Phase I and II, Aspirational Districts, and the 4G Saturation Scheme.
The Finance Minister called for additional tower approvals under upcoming projects such as the Dharti Aaba Yojana and proposed a state-specific telecom expansion plan to address connectivity challenges in remote forest regions. He also sought early approval of Chhattisgarh’s ₹3,761 crore proposal under BharatNet Phase III, which aims to connect 5,659 gram panchayats with high-speed optical fiber internet under the Digital India Fund. The project, he said, will empower villages with telemedicine, e-governance, and digital payment services, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully digital India.
Choudhary further briefed the gathering about Chhattisgarh’s progress in cyber security and data management, including the establishment of a State Data Center and a Managed Security Operation Center (MSOC). He noted that Chhattisgarh is emerging as a new hub for the data center industry due to its strategic location, low seismic activity, and abundant power availability.
The state’s growing prominence in the sector is evident with Rank Bank Data Centers launching India’s first AI-Optimized Data Center Park in Raipur with an initial investment of ₹1,000 crore, set to rise to ₹3,000 crore over five years. Spread over 13.5 acres with 80 MW capacity, the facility will host one lakh GPUs and create over 500 skilled jobs. In addition, ESDS Software Solutions has proposed an AI-based data center in Raipur with an investment of ₹600 crore.
Choudhary invited the Central Government, PSUs, and other states to set up their disaster recovery data centers in Chhattisgarh, assuring full administrative and infrastructural support through a single-window system. He reiterated the state’s commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem that promotes innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
