Gujarat to Become Global Digital Gateway as GIFT City Signs ₹1,317 Crore Cable Landing Station Deal with Sharjah-Based Henox Group

In a landmark move aimed at positioning Gujarat as a global digital infrastructure hub, the state government has reportedly entered into a strategic partnership with a Sharjah-based technology firm to establish a major undersea cable landing facility. According to sources, GIFT City Company Ltd, in association with the Gujarat government and Henox IT & Data Centres, has signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Cable Landing Station (CLS) at Dhuvaran in Anand district.

The initiative, which was formalised during the Regional AI Impact Conference held in Gandhinagar, is said to involve an estimated investment of approximately ₹1,317 crore. Industry observers note that this project could generate over 1,300 direct and indirect employment opportunities across the region.

Key Investment and Project Details

The proposed cable landing station is expected to be developed in Dhuvaran, located in the Anand district of Gujarat. The project reportedly involves participation from three key stakeholders: GIFT City Company Ltd, the Gujarat government, and Henox Group. Market analysts suggest that such mega infrastructure projects driving India's growth are increasingly attracting foreign investment into the country.

The investment of ₹1,317 crore is anticipated to transform Gujarat's digital landscape while creating substantial employment in the technology and telecommunications sectors.

Strategic Significance for Digital Connectivity

According to industry experts, the cable landing station will function as a critical gateway connecting international undersea internet cables with India's terrestrial data networks. This infrastructure is expected to enable faster and more reliable global internet connectivity while supporting high-bandwidth applications such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, machine learning, and data analytics.

The development comes at a time when India is witnessing unprecedented growth in data centre investments across the country. Major technology companies like Microsoft establishing data centres in India further underscore the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure.

The project is also expected to strengthen Gujarat's position as a data infrastructure hub and attract global tech firms as well as green data centre developers to the region.

Impact on Digital Ecosystem and Commercial Real Estate

The cable landing station initiative is reportedly poised to bolster Gujarat's digital backbone, particularly for emerging technologies. Industry watchers suggest that the project will improve the speed and efficiency of international data flow while empowering enterprise and hyperscale data centres with low-latency connectivity.

Market observers note that such developments typically boost the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and IT parks in the surrounding regions. This aligns with the broader trend of commercial real estate growth in India being driven by technology sector expansion.

The infrastructure is also expected to support smart city frameworks and next-generation digital services. Similar initiatives in other states have demonstrated how smart cities in India are emerging as investment destinations.

Government Vision and Leadership

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi reportedly described the project as a cornerstone of the state's digital-first strategy. According to official statements, state leadership believes the CLS will enable Gujarat to compete globally in digital services and infrastructure.

The project is said to contribute to the state's ambitious goal of becoming a key digital and AI hub in India. Officials have reportedly emphasised that such infrastructure development supports their broader vision to attract technology investments and foster innovation.

This initiative reflects the growing trend of industrial corridors transforming India's urban landscape and driving economic development across states.

Foreign Investment and Industry Growth

The partnership with Sharjah-based Henox Group underscores India's growing appeal as a destination for foreign investment in technology infrastructure. Industry analysts note that several international entities, including Brookfield planning major investments in India, have been increasingly focusing on the country's infrastructure and real estate sectors.

The development also aligns with the rapid expansion of digital real estate across India. Companies like Princeton Digital expanding their footprint in India indicate strong investor confidence in the nation's digital infrastructure potential.

Employment Generation and Economic Impact

The project is anticipated to create over 1,300 jobs across direct and indirect employment categories. Experts suggest that such large-scale infrastructure projects typically generate employment opportunities in construction, technology, telecommunications, and allied service sectors.

The economic ripple effects are expected to benefit local businesses and contribute to the overall development of the Anand district and surrounding regions. Those looking at investment opportunities in Gujarat may refer to the RERA Gujarat guidelines for property investments.

A Transformative Step Forward

The ₹1,317 crore cable landing station at Dhuvaran reportedly marks a transformative step in Gujarat's digital evolution. Through strong public-private collaboration and future-ready infrastructure, the project is expected to enhance India's global data connectivity while driving technological innovation.

This development reinforces how industrial smart cities are revolutionising India's growth trajectory and creating new opportunities for businesses and employment in the digital economy.

Disclaimer: This news article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The information presented is based on media reports and publicly available sources. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any investment decisions. Ghar.tv does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information contained herein.