Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis virtually laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centre in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the state's journey to become a global technology hub. The event, held at the Chief Minister's official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai, signifies the commencement of AWS's ambitious USD 8.3 billion investment in Maharashtra, a commitment solidified through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year.
The new AWS data centre is expected to bolster Maharashtra's digital infrastructure, supporting businesses, startups, and public sector organizations with advanced cloud computing capabilities. This investment underscores AWS's confidence in Maharashtra's economic potential and its strategic position as a gateway to India's burgeoning digital economy. The first phase of the project has already begun, with plans to expand the facility to meet the growing demand for cloud services in the region.
Speaking at the virtual ground-breaking ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's emergence as India's premier destination for investments. "Maharashtra has secured the highest investment commitments, even at global platforms like Davos," he stated. "We are committed to fostering an investor-friendly environment by streamlining approval processes, reducing timelines, and providing real-time updates through a dedicated war room." These efforts, he emphasized, are part of the state's broader strategy to enhance ease of doing business and attract global corporations like Amazon.
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In addition to the data centre launch, Fadnavis flagged off India's first 'Think Big Mobile Van' under the Amazon Mobile STEM Lab initiative. This innovative program aims to provide students across Mumbai with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies, research opportunities, and innovative learning experiences. The mobile van will travel to schools and communities, offering interactive workshops and demonstrations to inspire the next generation of technologists and innovators.
The AWS data centre project is poised to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from construction and engineering roles to high-skill positions in cloud computing and data management. It will also strengthen Mumbai's position as a key player in India's digital transformation, supporting the nation's push towards a USD 1 trillion digital economy by 2030. The facility will leverage AWS's global expertise in secure, scalable, and sustainable cloud infrastructure, ensuring robust services for customers across industries.
This development aligns with Maharashtra's vision to become a leader in technology and innovation. The state's proactive policies, including incentives for tech companies and investments in digital infrastructure, have made it a magnet for global tech giants. The AWS project is expected to catalyze further investments in the region, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for startups, enterprises, and research institutions.
As Maharashtra continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for innovation, the collaboration with AWS marks a pivotal step towards a future driven by technology, education, and economic growth. The state government's commitment to creating a seamless business environment and nurturing talent through initiatives like the Amazon Mobile STEM Lab ensures that Maharashtra remains at the forefront of India's technological revolution.
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