HCLTech to Build First In-House Data Centre in Odisha, Targeting AI Workloads

HCLTech, one of India’s leading IT services companies, has announced plans to build its first owned data centre in the country, marking a strategic shift from leasing capacity to direct ownership of critical digital infrastructure. The facility, to be located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is designed to handle high-density AI workloads and will be supported by a ₹730 crore investment.

The project, which includes both an AI-optimized data centre and a Global Development Centre, is expected to generate approximately 6,000 high-skilled jobs in the region. This move underscores HCLTech’s broader ambition to scale its data centre business, backed by a total investment commitment of ₹3,500 crore over the coming years.

The decision to build in Bhubaneswar reflects the city’s growing reputation as an emerging digital hub in eastern India, supported by favorable infrastructure, connectivity, and government incentives. For HCLTech, the facility represents not only a physical asset but also a strategic lever to offer end-to-end AI and cloud services with greater control over performance, security, and cost.

Industry analysts note that HCLTech’s entry into data centre ownership signals a broader trend among Indian IT firms moving toward vertical integration in digital infrastructure. As demand for AI compute capacity surges, owning dedicated infrastructure allows companies to better serve hyperscaler clients and enterprise customers requiring low-latency, high-performance environments. The project is also expected to catalyze local economic development, positioning Odisha as a potential data centre corridor in the region.