Lucknow, May 20: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level review on Wednesday regarding three critical topics linked to the state’s future economy: the Uttar Pradesh Data Center Cluster (UPDCC), Project Ganga, and the promotion of in-house wheat processing with potential exemptions in market fees and cess.
During the review of the UPDCC, CM Yogi emphasized that this initiative will lay the groundwork for the state’s AI mission. He stated that the data center cluster should not be limited to the NCR region but should also connect other parts of the state. He directed that the project could commence from the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) area, where ample land is available.
He also mentioned the need to engage with major tech companies, including the Tata Group, to develop Lucknow as an ‘AI City.’ The meeting highlighted that the UPDCC aims to establish the state as the largest AI computing power center in India and the Global South. The goal is to transform Uttar Pradesh into a global hub for artificial intelligence, data centers, cloud infrastructure, and high-tech digital manufacturing.
The presentation indicated that this is not merely a project but a blueprint for Uttar Pradesh’s new economic structure over the next 50 years. It aims to achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2040, create over 150,000 direct jobs, and develop a 5-gigawatt AI compute corridor. The meeting noted that the new global economy by 2040 will revolve around sectors like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, and space technology, with a combined global market potentially reaching $29 to $48 trillion.
Sectors such as AI software and services, cloud services, cybersecurity, semiconductors, aerospace, and electric vehicles are expected to be the primary economic engines for India. The meeting underscored Uttar Pradesh’s five key structural strengths: geographical location, vast land availability, a large youth population, rapidly developing infrastructure, and strong leadership. It was noted that the state’s inland location protects it from maritime risks and cyclones, while expressways, airports, logistics networks, and power infrastructure are developing rapidly. The presence of IIT Kanpur, NIT Prayagraj, and over 50 engineering institutions provides a vast pool of technical talent.
The meeting described Uttar Pradesh as ‘Asia’s most secure, scalable, and connected inland AI territory.’ It was noted that nearly all major fiber networks pass through UP, connecting the state to all marine cable landing points in India. The state offers less than 5 milliseconds of latency within its borders and 5-12 milliseconds of connectivity to digital hubs like Mumbai and Chennai.
CM Yogi also reviewed ‘Project Ganga,’ which stands for Government Assisted Network for Growth and Advancement. He directed that selected youth be provided quality training as digital entrepreneurs. He emphasized the need to develop a system where companies conducting surveys can also utilize these youth.
The Chief Minister stressed the rapid expansion of the optical fiber network and the importance of ensuring transparency in operations. The meeting highlighted that limited services are possible only through mobile internet, while true digital transformation requires high-speed broadband. Strong digital infrastructure is essential for AI-based agriculture, drone monitoring, smart villages, virtual labs, telemedicine, and cloud computing services. Under Project Ganga, Digital Service Providers (DSPs) will not only be internet service providers but will also develop a comprehensive network of digital services in rural areas. They will offer high-speed broadband, IPTV, OTT access, CCTV solutions, public Wi-Fi, cybersecurity, and enterprise connectivity.
Each DSP will be eligible for an interest-free loan of up to 500,000 rupees. The Chief Minister also conducted a detailed review of strategies to promote in-house wheat processing. He emphasized the need for reforms in market tax and fee systems, stating that the state’s markets should be modern, clean, and attractive. He directed that cleanliness, painting, lighting during festivals, removal of encroachments, and better management should be ensured in markets. The committee suggested that registered mills in Uttar Pradesh should be exempt from market fees and development levies for wheat purchased for processing within the state, but this exemption should not apply to commercial activities.
–
Leave a Comment