The Gujarat government on 9 July 2026 launched its Data Center Policy 2026-29 in Gandhinagar, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel positioning the state as India's premier destination for data centre investments. The policy was unveiled at an event attended by senior ministers, industry leaders, and investors, signalling a concerted push to anchor large-scale digital infrastructure in Gujarat.

What the Policy Covers

Chief Minister Patel said the policy is designed to strengthen cloud services, artificial intelligence, digital transactions, e-commerce platforms, smart manufacturing systems, and digital governance. He linked the initiative to the Centre's vision of a digital economy, describing data as 'the new pillar of economic growth for a developed India.'

Patel also pointed to measures announced in the Union Budget, including a 20-year tax holiday for global data centre infrastructure operations, as a key enabler that the state policy is built to complement.

Gujarat's Infrastructure Pitch

The Chief Minister cited the state's reliable electricity and water supply, road connectivity, and an expanding technology ecosystem as competitive advantages. He highlighted that GIFT City has emerged as India's fintech hub, while the state's Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy and AI Centre of Excellence are already supporting innovation-led growth.

Patel also noted that Sanand and Dholera are advancing as significant semiconductor manufacturing centres, further reinforcing Gujarat's credentials in the digital economy.

Key Voices at the Launch

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia, and Chief Secretary M. K. Das were among the senior officials present at the launch alongside industry representatives and investors.

Patel invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,' framing Gujarat's progress as a product of collective effort and public trust. 'The credit goes to everyone present here and to every citizen of Gujarat,' he said.

Sustainability and Environmental Commitment

The Chief Minister stressed that industrial growth under the policy would not come at an environmental cost. 'Our objective is that industry should have zero effect on the environment while our products should have zero defects,' Patel said, adding that the policy equally emphasises technological excellence and sustainability.

Broader Significance

India has become one of the world's largest generators and consumers of data, according to the Chief Minister, creating substantial new investment opportunities in data centre infrastructure. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and electronics manufacturing has intensified demand for world-class digital facilities. This comes amid a broader national race among states — including Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu — to attract hyperscale data centre investments. Gujarat's policy, covering a three-year window through 2029, is a direct attempt to leapfrog competitors by combining fiscal incentives with established infrastructure. The government has urged businesses and investors to participate in the state's technology-driven growth, with Patel expressing confidence that Gujarat would play a leading role in building a knowledge-based economy.