West Bengal Silicon Valley Project Attracts ₹30,000 Crore Investment, Focuses on AI and Data Centres
West Bengal’s information technology sector is set for a significant expansion as the state’s flagship West Bengal Silicon Valley Project moves rapidly from planning to execution, with investments of around ₹30,000 crore lined up. State officials say the project marks a decisive shift in Bengal’s digital growth strategy, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and global capability centres (GCCs), positioning the state as a major technology hub in eastern India.
Addressing an industry gathering in Kolkata, IT Secretary Shubhanjan Das said the 250-acre Silicon Valley project is progressing at what he described as a “fantastic pace,” with construction activity already visible across multiple sites. According to the state government, the project is expected to generate at least 7,500 direct jobs, alongside significant indirect employment in allied sectors.
West Bengal Silicon Valley Project: Scale and Progress
The Silicon Valley project, a cornerstone of West Bengal’s long-term digital roadmap, has already seen land allotments made to 41 companies. Physical inspections, officials said, indicate that many of these firms have moved swiftly to begin construction, reflecting growing industry confidence in the state’s IT ecosystem.
“This is not a concept on paper anymore. What we see on the ground is real investment translating into infrastructure and jobs,” Das said, adding that the state administration is closely monitoring progress to ensure timely execution.
The project aims to cater to next-generation technology companies, with planned facilities for IT services, advanced analytics, AI research, and global back-office operations. Officials believe the scale of the development will help West Bengal compete with established IT destinations while offering cost and talent advantages.
IT Growth Beyond Kolkata
While Kolkata remains the state’s primary IT hub, officials emphasised that West Bengal’s technology footprint has expanded well beyond the capital. Cities such as Siliguri and Durgapur are emerging as important nodes in the state’s digital network, supported by targeted infrastructure development and policy incentives.
At present, West Bengal has 32 government-run IT parks and more than 60 private IT parks. Together, these facilities house over 2,800 IT and IT-enabled services companies, employing more than two lakh people. The dispersion of IT activity across multiple cities is seen as a way to reduce regional imbalance and create skilled employment closer to home for young professionals.
Strengthening Data Centre and AI Capabilities
One of the most notable aspects of West Bengal’s IT push is its growing presence in the data centre and AI infrastructure space. The state now ranks sixth nationally in terms of data centre capacity, with 11 private data centres already operational.
In addition, the state-run data centre in Siliguri has drawn attention for its high-end computing infrastructure. Equipped with advanced GPU chips designed for AI workloads, the facility is being positioned as a key resource for research, innovation, and enterprise-level computing.
In a move aimed at boosting innovation, the state government is finalising a proposal that would allow private companies to access this infrastructure for AI training and model development. “We are open to collaboration and new ideas,” Das told industry representatives, signalling the government’s intent to use public infrastructure as a catalyst for private-sector innovation.
Rising Software Exports and Economic Impact
West Bengal’s IT expansion is also reflected in its export performance. According to state officials, software exports from Bengal have grown sharply over the past 15 years, rising from around ₹8,000 crore to over ₹40,000 crore today.
Officials described the growth as “phenomenal,” noting that it highlights the state’s increasing integration into global technology value chains. The IT department has committed to acting as a single-window facilitator for companies looking to expand operations, resolve inter-departmental issues, and fast-track approvals.
“Any expansion proposal will be welcomed, and we will hand-hold to ensure projects take off smoothly,” Das said, underlining the government’s pro-investment stance.
Focus on Inclusion and Workforce Diversity
Beyond investment figures, state officials stressed the importance of building an inclusive IT ecosystem. Das highlighted companies that actively employ women and differently abled professionals, saying such practices contribute positively to the state’s industrial culture.
Industry leaders echoed this sentiment, noting that diversity and inclusive hiring are increasingly important factors for global clients when choosing technology destinations.
Bengal as a Destination for Global Capability Centres
Industry representatives at the event pointed out that West Bengal is emerging as a competitive destination for global capability centres, which handle critical business functions such as IT services, analytics, and research for multinational firms.
Sushil Mohta, chairman of World Trade Center Salt Lake, said the state’s strong academic base, deep talent pool, and improving infrastructure are key advantages. However, he also stressed the need for better global marketing to showcase Bengal’s achievements, particularly to European markets.
He added that secure, smart, and sustainable business ecosystems will be critical for long-term growth, a view echoed by other industry stakeholders.
Industry Recognition and the Road Ahead
During the event, leading software exporters from West Bengal were recognised for their contributions to the sector. Tata Consultancy Services received the IT Ratna award for achieving the highest software exports from the state and currently employs over 50,000 people in West Bengal, making it one of the largest private-sector employers in the region.
As the West Bengal Silicon Valley project gathers momentum, officials believe the coming years will be crucial in determining whether West Bengal can translate infrastructure and policy support into sustained innovation-led growth.
Conclusion
With ₹30,000 crore in investments lined up, a rapidly progressing West Bengal Silicon Valley project, and a clear focus on AI and data infrastructure, West Bengal’s IT sector appears poised for a new phase of expansion. While challenges such as global competition and talent retention remain, state officials and industry leaders are optimistic that coordinated policy support, inclusive growth, and strategic positioning can help Bengal strengthen its place in India’s evolving digital economy.
