Ahmedabad, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has made a significant advancement in enhancing its digital and data framework by formalizing a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a cable landing station (CLS) in Dhuvaran village, located in Anand district, as stated by government representatives on Thursday.

The agreement was concluded at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir during the Regional AI Impact Conference, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in attendance.

This MoU was signed between the Gujarat government, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, and Henox IT and Data Centers Private Limited, based in Sharjah.

The project represents a potential investment of Rs 1,317 crore and is projected to create over 1,300 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Officials indicated that the construction of the CLS will significantly enhance data center capacity and the development of Information and Communication Technology infrastructure within the state, making Gujarat a prime location for hyperscale and enterprise data centers.

The improved connectivity is anticipated to stimulate growth in AI, machine learning, startup ecosystems, and GCC (Global Capability Centres).

Following the signing, Henox IT CEO Masood M. Sharif Mohammed, Rashid Al Ali, and the UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Jamal Alshehhi engaged in one-on-one discussions with Chief Minister Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi, and the state's Science and Technology Minister Jitu Vaghani.

Chief Minister Patel remarked that this initiative would furnish Gujarat with swift and robust international connectivity, positioning the state as a vital hub for global data traffic and reinforcing India's digital sovereignty.

CEO Henox IT emphasized that the Cable Landing Station will act as a critical link between India and the global internet framework, serving as the backbone for high-bandwidth applications essential for smart cities.

Notable officials present included Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Jayanti Ravi, Industries Principal Secretary Mamta Verma, Chief Minister's Additional Principal Secretary Avantika Singh, Secretary Vikrant Pandey, and Science and Technology Secretary P. Bharathi.

The Anand district, renowned as the Milk Capital of India due to Amul and the cooperative dairy movement that revolutionized India's rural economy, is a blend of agriculture and industry.

Established in 1997 after being separated from Kheda district, Anand is both an agricultural and industrial center, significantly recognized for dairy, food processing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and now emerging IT and data infrastructure initiatives.

This district encompasses key towns like Anand, Nadiad, Karamsad, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and Khambhat, celebrated for their educational institutions, cooperative culture, and rich trade history.

The fertile land, canal irrigation, and a thriving rural economy underpin its agricultural success, while excellent road and rail networks ensure strong links to Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and major ports.

With an integration of cooperative achievements, burgeoning industries, and educational establishments, Anand continues to be one of Gujarat's most forward-thinking and economically dynamic districts.