Dakshina Kannada MP K. Brijesh Chowta met with S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to present a proposal aimed at transforming Mangalore into a leading “data center hub” and a preferred destination in India’s digital growth story.
During the meeting in New Delhi, Chowta highlighted Mangalore’s unique advantages — its low seismic risk zone, plentiful water supply, and proximity to submarine internet cable routes. He noted that the city’s location is ideal for establishing a cable landing station, which could boost regional internet speeds, expand India’s data capacity, and enhance security.
The MP pointed out that data centers are now critical infrastructure worldwide, supporting AI, cloud computing, financial systems, and national security. He urged the ministry to consider setting up a dedicated Data Center Special Economic Zone (DCSEZ) in Mangalore to attract large-scale private investments.
Chowta also discussed opportunities under the India AI Mission, including hosting AI hackathons to identify and develop local talent. He proposed creating an IT and innovation hub in and around Mangalore to generate jobs, support manufacturing linked to data infrastructure, and increase exports via the New Mangalore Port.
He said these efforts aim to turn Mangalore into a “Silicon Beach” — diversifying IT development beyond Bengaluru and aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India. According to him, such initiatives would also encourage global Mangaloreans to return and contribute to the city’s technological advancement.