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Artificial Intelligence-led growth to turn India into 6 GW data centre hub by 2029, attract $110 billion: Report

Data centres share will increase significantly in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai, according to the report released by JLL India

Published on: Sep 2, 2026, 16:02:09 IST
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India's data centre industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation, with capacity projected to surge from 1.6 GW as of June 2026 to 6 GW by 2029, establishing the country as Asia’s fastest-growing digital infrastructure market, according to a report released by JLL India, a real estate consultancy firm.

India's data centre industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation, with capacity projected to surge from 1.6 GW as of June 2026 to 6 GW by 2029. (Photo for representational purposes only) (Pixabay)
India's data centre industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation, with capacity projected to surge from 1.6 GW as of June 2026 to 6 GW by 2029. (Photo for representational purposes only) (Pixabay)

The report said while Mumbai and Hyderabad will have majority of the supply, the growth is expected to be fueled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads and hyperscale cloud deployments.

According to the report, the growth will require will require USD 110 billion in capital investments and create infrastructure capacity of multiple gigawatts across the country.

The report said that the sector demonstrated remarkable momentum in H1 2026 (January-June), recording 101 MW of absorption, exceeding the three-year H1 average by more than 20%. "Supply remained robust with 85 MW delivered during the period, primarily concentrated in Mumbai and Chennai. Accelerated pre-committed deliveries have driven vacancy levels to a record low of 2.8%, reflecting exceptional market fundamentals," the report said.

Also Read: ₹10,000 cr: MD">Lodha Developers to monetise 150 acres at data centre park in MMR for 10,000 cr: MD

“India's data centre landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation unprecedented in scale and ambition. The convergence of landmark tax incentives with massive hyperscale investments for AI-driven infrastructure requirements positions India as a strategic global hub for digital innovation.” said Rachit Mohan, Managing Director, Data Centre Leasing, APAC, JLL.

“With 4.4 GW of new capacity requiring USD 110 billion in capital by 2030, we are witnessing the creation of an entirely new digital infrastructure ecosystem that will reshape India's technology landscape and drive economic growth for decades to come," said Mohan.

Also Read: Institutional investment in Indian real estate rises 16% in Q2 2026, led by GCCs and data centres: Report

Hyperscalers driving growth

According to the report, global hyperscalers are fundamentally reshaping the market dynamics by committing to building nearly 30% of new capacity through self-build facilities. By 2029, hyperscale self-build is expected to deliver 1.4 GW, with major investments transforming locations like Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam into gigawatt-scale hubs alongside established markets like Mumbai and Chennai.

The report said that the India Union Budget 2026-27’s 20-year tax holiday for foreign cloud service providers, extending until March 31, 2047, has dramatically accelerated investment commitments. This policy has attracted over USD 50 billion in foreign capital commitments. The initiative positions India as a global hub for routing global AI and cloud services while de-risking long-term capital deployment.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mehul R Thakkar

Mehul R Thakkar is a Mumbai-based journalist who closely tracks the city’s ever-evolving real estate landscape. He believes that Mumbai presents a unique reality that, while Mumbaikars deeply aspire to own a home in the city of dreams, many spend little actual time living in it due to long commutes and demanding work lives. With over 11 years of experience in journalism, I have reported across a wide spectrum of beats, including real estate, housing, infrastructure, aviation, and education. I have also extensively covered the workings of India’s wealthiest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), providing insight into the policy, governance, and urban planning decisions that directly influence Mumbai’s growth. Before joining Hindustan Times, I worked in fast-paced digital and print newsrooms, including Moneycontrol.com and Deccan Chronicle, as well as national dailies such as The Asian Age and DNA. Outside the newsroom, I am an avid weather tracker, a fan of spy thrillers in both books and films, and a keen follower of international affairs.

Stay updated with the latest Real Estate News, property prices, housing trends and major projects. Explore market updates, investment insights and property developments across India.
Stay updated with the latest Real Estate News, property prices, housing trends and major projects. Explore market updates, investment insights and property developments across India.
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