Agartala, January 29, 2026: Tripura has marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, with the foundation stone laying of North East India’s largest private Data Centre by Bharti Airtel (Nxtra by Airtel) in Agartala. The initiative represents a major step forward in realizing the State Government’s long-term Digital Tripura vision of building a technology-driven, inclusive, and innovation-led economy.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the state-of-the-art Airtel Data Centre at Chanmari, Agartala, in the presence of dignitaries including Pranajit Singha Roy, Minister for Information Technology, Finance, Planning & Coordination; Kiran Gitte, IAS, Secretary, IT; Suprakash Jamatia, Director (I/C), IT; and senior representatives from Bharti Airtel Limited, including Balaji R, CEO, Airtel NESA, and Simranbir Singh, CTO, Airtel NESA.

Congratulating the Bharti Airtel team, the Chief Minister emphasized that a robust Data Centre is the backbone of Information Technology infrastructure, crucial for hosting, running, and storing data for both government and private organizations. He noted that reliable and secure data storage is key to ensuring consistent citizen services and powering the growing digital economy.

Highlighting India’s data landscape, Prof. Saha pointed out that while India accounts for nearly 20% of global data consumption, its storage capacity stands at only 2%. With capacity expected to grow from 1.5 gigawatts today to 8 gigawatts by 2030, the establishment of this facility in Tripura is both timely and strategic.

Tripura’s favourable climatic conditions, surplus power availability, pollution-free environment, and air connectivity make it an ideal destination for Data Centre investments. The presence of India’s 3rd International Internet Gateway at Agartala further strengthens the State’s digital infrastructure by providing stable high-speed connectivity.

The ₹200 crore project, spread over one acre, will house an 80,000 sq. ft. G+3 facility with a planned capacity of 5 megawatts. Integrated with Airtel’s extensive subsea and fiber network, the Agartala Data Centre will serve as a transport hub for the North East, offering low-latency, high-capacity digital connectivity. The project is expected to generate 150–200 direct and indirect employment opportunities, spur ancillary industries, and boost the local digital economy.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the Directorate of Information Technology for its pivotal role in facilitating the project and highlighted Tripura’s progressive Data Centre Policy (2021), which offers fiscal incentives including floor rental reimbursement, concessional land lease, subsidized power tariffs, bandwidth cost subsidies, and capital investment support. Encouraged by these policies, several reputed investors — including PVM Innvensys Pvt. Ltd., Polo Towers Group, and CtrlS — have expressed interest in setting up Data Centres in the State.

The Government also plans to establish an Innovation and Incubation Lab adjacent to the Airtel facility, along with the Tripura IT & Data Ecosystem Zone (TIDEZ) over 6.81 acres, to support IT, ITeS, and Data Centre investments.

Tripura has emerged as an education hub with multiple universities, engineering, medical, and polytechnic institutions producing a skilled workforce. To nurture local talent, the IT Department has introduced the New Generation Innovation Network (NGIN) scheme and launched the Tripura Start-up Policy, 2025. A ₹50 crore Start-up Venture Fund has been established to support budding entrepreneurs, with 188 registered start-ups and over 50 new applications under consideration.

The Chief Minister also lauded the achievements of Tripura-born entrepreneur Dr. Prasanta Sarkar, Co-founder of Newtrace, whose innovation of India’s first membrane-less electrolyzer was showcased before the Hon’ble Prime Minister during National Start-up Day 2026.

Prof. Saha highlighted the enthusiasm of Tripura’s global diaspora, citing the recent Prabashi Tripurabashi Summit attended by 86 distinguished professionals of Tripura origin. Many expressed willingness to invest in the State’s IT sector. To cater to growing demand, the IT Department is planning Tripura’s Second IT Park near Agartala.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister reiterated that backed by progressive policies, strategic connectivity, and forward-thinking reforms, Tripura is poised to emerge as a major Data Centre and IT hub in the North Eastern region. The establishment of Airtel’s Data Centre, coupled with upcoming initiatives like the Innovation and Incubation Park and the TIDEZ zone, exemplifies the Government’s strong commitment to digital transformation, investment promotion, and employment generation — positioning Digital Tripura as a model for the region’s technological future.