Mumbai, is rapidly solidifying its position as a pre-eminent global data centre hub, securing the impressive sixth rank worldwide in under-construction capacity.
This remarkable ascent, which sees Mumbai surpassing established data centre powerhouses like London and Dublin, is a testament to the surging demand for digital infrastructure driven by the explosion in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the broader digital economy. A recent report by Cushman & Wakefield underscores that critical factors such as reliable power access, readily available land, and robust infrastructure are converging to fuel this unprecedented growth.
The Asia Pacific region, already home to ten of the world’s largest data centre markets, is experiencing an unparalleled expansion. By the close of 2024, the region added a substantial 1.6 GW of new capacity, bringing its total operational capacity to an impressive 12.2 GW. The development pipeline remains robust, with an additional 14.4 GW currently under construction or in various planning stages. This vigorous expansion is primarily propelled by the widespread rollout of 5G networks, the accelerating adoption of cloud services across industries, and the ever-increasing consumption of digital content and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Mumbai’s evolving data centre landscape is now confidently positioning itself alongside major global players. While the city holds a commanding 42% share of India’s under-construction data centre capacity, set to augment its operational capacity by a staggering 62% upon completion, the story extends beyond its immediate boundaries. Neighbouring Pune is also emerging as a significant player in the APAC data centre arena. This burgeoning sector is attracting considerable international investment, complementing the efforts of domestic players who are actively enhancing their capacities. With robust growth potential, rising occupancy rates, and stable rental yields, investor confidence in this digital infrastructure segment remains exceptionally high.
The city’s strategic digital infrastructure upgrades are pivotal to this burgeoning growth. By 2025, India anticipates the completion of three major undersea data cable projects. These vital arteries will not only significantly boost India’s internet capacity and speed but also dramatically improve connectivity with key global regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. These developments are set to further solidify Mumbai’s critical role as a central connectivity hub within Southeast Asia, ensuring seamless data flow and powering the digital aspirations of millions.
Meanwhile, Pune’s rapid ascent as a leading data centre powerhouse cannot be overlooked, securing the fourth rank among APAC’s top markets. As of the first quarter of 2025, Pune boasts an operational data centre capacity of 112 IT MW, with an additional 190 IT MW actively under construction in prominent areas such as Hinjewadi and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Major industry players, including STT GDC, Nxtra by Airtel, and IronMountain, are establishing significant operations in Pune. Their attraction to the city stems from its favourable climate, access to a skilled labour force, reliable power infrastructure, and its strategic proximity to Mumbai’s crucial cable landing stations. This synergy between Mumbai and Pune creates a formidable digital corridor, positioning both cities for exponential growth in the global data centre arena and contributing significantly to India’s ambition of fostering zero net carbon and digitally advanced urban centres.
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