What to Expect from PM Modi's New Cybersecurity Initiative in Odisha?

Inauguration of RBI's Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute

Bhubaneswar: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Reserve Bank of India's new data centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, as confirmed by officials.

The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, Odisha Governor Brajmohan Ram, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, and Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida.

The new RBI facility spans 18.55 acres at Info Valley-II in Jatni, with the foundation stone laid by former RBI governor Shaktikanta Das on March 22, 2023.

This data centre is set to support critical payment and settlement systems, along with various flagship initiatives, according to a government statement.

It aims to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of digital financial services, establishing a secure digital infrastructure for India's evolving technology-driven financial landscape.

Additionally, the Cybersecurity Training Institute will focus on enhancing capabilities, offering a dedicated platform for cybersecurity training, research, and development across the sector.

The location was selected for its geographical stability, situated away from seismically active regions and high-risk international borders, thereby minimizing exposure to natural disasters and geopolitical threats.

Modi arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport at 4:15 PM via a special Indian Air Force flight. He then took a helicopter to Khurda and traveled by road to the RBI facility.

The Prime Minister is expected to spend about an hour at the data centre before returning to the airport around 6:30 PM, as per officials.

Extensive security measures have been implemented, with approximately 2,100 personnel deployed for the Prime Minister's visit.

Traffic restrictions will be in effect from 5:40 PM to 6:40 PM along the route connecting the RBI data centre to the airport.

In a social media update, Chief Minister Majhi expressed that the data centre will significantly contribute to Odisha's development journey.

He noted that this marks the Prime Minister's ninth visit to Odisha since the BJP government took office in the state in 2024.

Majhi also mentioned that the Jatni data centre is the second of its kind, following the one established in Navi Mumbai.

The facilities have been designed to meet the RBI's computing needs, ensuring a secure, resilient, scalable, and future-ready computing environment for the bank and the wider financial sector.