Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday inaugurated the state’s first 12 MW data centre operated by CtrlS in Patna’s Pataliputra Industrial Area, marking a new development in the state’s digital infrastructure. The project has been established under the Bihar IT Policy 2024 through the Information Technology Department.
The inauguration comes alongside a Rs 10,000 crore memorandum of understanding (MoU) between CtrlS and the Industries Department, which the state government expects to support investment in information technology, artificial intelligence and other industrial activities.
After inaugurating the facility, Choudhary visited the data centre on the first floor of the building and received information about the digital operations it will support.
Bihar Targets 1,000 MW Of Data Centre Capacity In Five Years
Addressing the gathering, Choudhary described the facility as an important step towards expanding Bihar’s digital infrastructure and industrial development. He called on CtrlS and other investors to explore further opportunities in the state.
The Chief Minister set a target of establishing at least 1,000 MW of data centre capacity in Bihar over the next five years and urged CtrlS to contribute to the expansion of the sector.
He said industrial investment would create employment opportunities and strengthen economic activity. The government aims to build on improvements in electricity supply, roads and other infrastructure to attract more industries.
Rs 10,000 Crore MoU To Support IT And AI Investment
The agreement between CtrlS and the Industries Department is expected to encourage investment in IT and AI-related activities, according to the Chief Minister.
The facility has been established under the Bihar IT Policy 2024, which is being implemented through the state’s Information Technology Department.
Choudhary said industrial expansion was necessary to give fresh momentum to Bihar’s economy. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring reliable energy supplies for data centres and other industries, adding that the state was exploring opportunities in renewable energy.
Government Focuses On Industrial Land And Connectivity
The Chief Minister said the state was working to make land available for new industrial units. Referring to a process involving around 13,000 acres of land, he said preparations were under way to support industrial development in different parts of Bihar.
He also referred to plans to encourage the manufacture of electronic equipment and other industrial activities in areas across the Ganga, including Hajipur.
According to Choudhary, expressways, highways and other infrastructure projects would be linked with industrial development to create new opportunities for investors.
CM Calls For Higher State Revenue
Choudhary said Bihar’s budget was approximately Rs 3.47 lakh crore, while the state’s own revenue stood at around Rs 70,000 crore. He emphasised the need to increase state revenue to Rs 2 lakh crore, saying that expansion in industry, technology and investment would be important to achieving that target.
He added that the state government was working to provide the facilities needed to encourage investors and establish industrial units.
The government expects new investments to support economic activity and create employment opportunities, although the scale and timing of those outcomes will depend on the implementation of the proposed projects.
Ministers And Industry Officials Attend Inauguration
Information Technology Minister Nitish Mishra and Industries Minister Shreyasi Singh attended the programme, along with Chief Minister’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh.
Industries Department Secretary Kundan Kumar, Information Technology Department Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, BIADA Managing Director Naveen Kumar and Industries Department Director Mukul Kumar Gupta were also present.
CtrlS Datacenters founder and chief executive officer Sridhar Pinnapureddy welcomed the Chief Minister with an angavastram. CtrlS Executive Director Kamalvardhan Rao and other company representatives attended the event.
