What to Expect from PM Modi's Upcoming Inauguration of RBI's New Data Centre in Odisha?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Reserve Bank of India's new data centre in Odisha on October 25, 2026. This facility, costing Rs 169 crore, will serve as a backup to the primary data centre in Navi Mumbai. Located in Jatani, the centre aims to enhance data management and disaster recovery for essential banking operations. However, concerns have been raised by the Congress party regarding the potential water usage of the centre, which could impact local resources. The inauguration is expected to be a brief visit, with PM Modi spending about an hour at the site.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 16:25 IST

Inauguration of RBI's Data Centre

Bhubaneswar: On October 25, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the Reserve Bank of India's new data centre, which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 169 crore in Info Valley-II, Jatani, located in Khordha district, Odisha.

This facility, situated close to Bhubaneswar, is intended to serve as a secondary backup for the RBI's main data centre located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

Details of the Facility

The data centre occupies an area of 18.55 acres in Info Valley-II, positioned near Jatani along the Kolkata–Chennai National Highway, just outside Bhubaneswar.

With an investment of Rs 169 crore, it is set to play a crucial role as the RBI's backup data centre.

This centre will enhance data management, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and ensure business continuity for essential central banking operations, including currency management and payment systems.

Selection of Jatani

Officials indicated that Jatani was chosen due to its geographical stability and its distance from seismically active regions and high-risk international borders. This decision aims to minimize the risks associated with natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, which are critical for infrastructure that supports financial regulations and payment systems.

The foundation stone for this project was laid by former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on March 22, 2023.

PM Modi's Schedule

As per the preliminary schedule, PM Modi is anticipated to arrive at Biju Patnaik International Airport around 4:30 PM, then take a helicopter to the Khordha helipad, followed by a road journey to the data centre. He is expected to spend approximately one hour at the inauguration before departing Odisha around 6:30 PM, making it a brief two-hour visit.

Concerns Raised by Congress

On October 23, the opposition Congress party in Odisha raised concerns that the data centre might require around 2 crore litres of water daily, primarily for cooling purposes. However, neither the RBI nor the state government had confirmed this figure or the water source at the time of this report.

The Odisha Congress warned that if the water is sourced from groundwater, it could lead to depletion of local aquifers, negatively impacting agriculture and exacerbating water scarcity in Khordha district. They have called for transparency regarding the project's actual water needs, the source of supply, environmental assessments, potential local employment opportunities, and protections for farmers.