Odisha Unveils Ambitious IT Hub at Damana Square
In a significant step towards strengthening its digital economy, the Odisha government has invited bids to develop a 25-acre integrated IT park at Damana Square in Bhubaneswar. The proposed mixed-use technology hub is envisioned as a modern "walk-to-work" campus featuring IT offices, commercial establishments, residential spaces, hospitality facilities and innovation centres. Designed to attract domestic and global technology companies, support startups and generate large-scale employment, the project marks another milestone in Odisha's journey towards becoming one of India's emerging information technology destinations.
Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project reflects the state's long-term strategy of creating world-class digital infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation industries including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor technologies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), electronics manufacturing and data centres.
Odisha's Journey Towards Becoming an IT Powerhouse
Over the past decade, Odisha has steadily transformed itself from a predominantly industrial and mining-driven economy into a state with growing prominence in information technology and digital services. Bhubaneswar, in particular, has emerged as one of eastern India's fastest-growing IT destinations, supported by progressive government policies, affordable infrastructure, a skilled workforce and expanding educational institutions.
The state's flagship initiatives such as Info City and the nearly 4,000-acre Info Valley SEZ have already attracted leading IT giants including Infosys, TCS and Wipro. Simultaneously, Odisha's strong focus on digital governance, widespread internet connectivity, online citizen services and technology-enabled administration has enhanced investor confidence and created a favourable ecosystem for technology-led growth.
The government's vision of building a "Digital Odisha" now extends beyond software services to emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced digital infrastructure.
Damana Square: A Next-Generation Technology Ecosystem
The Electronics & IT Department, through the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), has floated an Expression of Interest (EOI) to select a private developer responsible for designing, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the proposed campus.
Spread across approximately 25 acres, the project is expected to offer nearly 4.5 million square feet of built-up space. Nearly 70% of the development will be dedicated to IT, IT-enabled services, electronics, semiconductor-related industries, AI companies, Global Capability Centres and data centres, while the remaining area will accommodate commercial, residential and hospitality infrastructure.
Strategically located on the Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan corridor between Info City and Info Valley, the integrated campus is expected to bridge existing technology clusters while accommodating a technology investment pipeline estimated at nearly ₹50,000 crore.
The master plan also includes co-working spaces, startup incubation centres, serviced apartments, retail zones, recreational facilities, green buildings, smart utility systems and high-speed digital connectivity, creating an ecosystem that matches global technology campuses.
Expanding the IT Ecosystem Beyond Bhubaneswar
Odisha's IT ambitions are no longer confined to the capital city. The government is actively pursuing a decentralised growth strategy aimed at creating technology corridors across the state.
One of the key projects in the pipeline is a proposed ₹200-crore IT hub in Sambalpur, which will include a dedicated IT Park and IT Tower to stimulate technology-led development in western Odisha.
In another major initiative, the Odisha government has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop nearly 20 Public-Private Partnership projects across strategic sectors involving investments of around ₹20,000 crore, with digital infrastructure and electronics forming an important component.
Adding further momentum, HCLTech recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Odisha government to establish a Global Technology Center in Bhubaneswar, alongside plans for an AI Data Centre within the proposed Odisha Sovereign AI Park. The project is expected to create nearly 5,000 jobs by 2028, significantly boosting the state's high-skilled employment base.
Together with expanding investments in AI, electronics manufacturing, semiconductor-related industries and Global Capability Centres, these initiatives are steadily positioning Odisha as a preferred investment destination for technology companies.
A Strategic Shift from Infrastructure to Innovation
The Damana Square IT Park represents much more than another real estate development. It reflects Odisha's strategic transition from isolated IT investments to building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. By integrating world-class infrastructure, startup incubation, digital public infrastructure, private investments and advanced technologies within a single framework, the state is laying the foundation for sustainable technology-driven growth.
This integrated approach is expected to enhance ease of doing business, encourage research and innovation, strengthen startup culture and improve Odisha's competitiveness in attracting global investments.
Odisha's Digital Future Takes Shape
The proposed Damana Square IT Park is a defining milestone in Odisha's digital transformation journey. Coupled with the expansion of Info Valley, regional IT hubs, major investments by global technology companies, AI-focused infrastructure and robust public-private partnerships, the project demonstrates a clear and forward-looking vision for economic diversification.
If executed effectively, these initiatives will not only generate thousands of high-quality jobs and attract substantial investments but also establish Odisha as one of eastern India's leading technology and innovation hubs. The state's transition from a resource-driven economy to a knowledge-driven digital powerhouse is gathering pace, and the Damana Square IT Park is poised to become one of its most prominent landmarks.
(With agency inputs)
