Odisha Poised to Become India’s Next Digital Powerhouse

Bhubaneswar: In a strategic push to position Odisha as a global digital hub, the Electronics and IT Department, Government of Odisha has taken the initiative of establishment of a Cable Landing Station in Puri, Odisha. This landmark initiative will significantly enhance the State’s digital infrastructure, catalyse investments in Data Centres, attract top-tier technology players, and generate jobs.

In this regard, Chief Secretary Odisha Manoj Ahuja reviewed the progress of the DPR of the project being prepared jointly by RaiTel and Deloitte. Ahuja emphasized the need for industry consultations with Hyperscalers and key ecosystem players to ensure a comprehensive and future-ready implementation. Further, he directed for early submission of the DPR for approval with a focus on completion of the project within three years of time line.

The Odisha Cable Landing Station is a flagship initiative of the State Government, designed with a strategic vision for scalability and ecosystem development. The Government remains committed to making the state a magnet for digital investments, unlocking immense opportunities for businesses, technology companies, and the workforce. Puri emerged as the most strategic location for developing this Cable Landing Station offering key advantages such as prime geographic position, suitable coastline, scope for future scalability and robust infrastructure.

The Cable Landing Station will provide direct international fibre connectivity, reducing latency, improving internet speed, and fostering Odisha’s emergence as a premier destination for Hyperscalers, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and enterprises. With this move, Odisha is set to become a critical node in the global digital network, strengthening India’s position in the data-driven economy. Further, the Cable Landing Station will also pave the way for social benefits viz. empowerment through digital inclusion, employment generation and community development and social equity.

Special Secretary Electronics and IT Department cum Managing Director OCAC Manas Ranjan Panda, Principal ED RailTel Zakir Hussain Siddiqui, Technical Advisor (Telecom) OCAC Avinna Kumar Pahi and other officials from Electronics and IT Department, Railtel and Deloitte were present in the meeting.