Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is being positioned as India’s next international digital gateway with the development of an International Cable Landing Station (CLS). The project aims to reduce India’s dependence on Mumbai for global data connectivity while strengthening GIFT City’s financial and technology ecosystem.
Project Details and Investment
The CLS project has received a major boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Gujarat, GIFT City, and Henox IT & Data Centers Pvt. Ltd., a UAE-backed firm.
- Estimated investment: ₹1,317 crore
- Job creation: Over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs
- Location: Dhuvaran, Anand district
- Connectivity: Linked to GIFT City via terrestrial networks
New International Connectivity Route
The cable landing station will be connected to global networks through a new subsea fiber-optic route from Fujairah in the UAE to the Gujarat coast. This route will provide a faster and more resilient internet pathway linking India with the Middle East and Europe.
Reducing Reliance on Mumbai
Currently, India’s international data connectivity is heavily concentrated in Mumbai. Officials noted that congestion, port-related disruptions, and limited cable separation have led to multiple international connectivity outages in recent years. The new CLS in Gujarat will act as an alternative western gateway, improving redundancy, resilience, and national-level cyber security.
Impact on GIFT City’s Financial and Technology Ecosystem
Officials described the CLS as core digital infrastructure for GIFT City. The facility is expected to:
- Enable direct peering with global financial hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and London
- Significantly reduce latency for international data transfers
- Support real-time trading, cross-border clearing, and overseas listings
Boost for GCCs, Data Centres, and AI Enterprises
The project is expected to attract Global Capability Centers (GCCs), data centres, and AI-driven enterprises to GIFT City. Robust international connectivity is a critical requirement for these operations, particularly for financial services, cloud platforms, and advanced digital workloads.
Strategic National Importance
Officials stated that Gujarat’s geographic position could allow up to 60% of India’s internet traffic to be routed through a GIFT City–linked CLS. The project will serve Western, North, and Central India, easing pressure on Mumbai while strengthening India’s digital infrastructure.
Supporting Advanced Technology and Semiconductor Ecosystems
While semiconductor manufacturing is planned at Dholera, backend design, simulation, and research activities are expected to operate from GIFT City. High-throughput international connectivity from the CLS will support cross-border collaboration and data-intensive chip design workflows.
Conclusion
The Cable Landing Station project marks a significant step in positioning GIFT City as a global financial and digital hub. By enhancing international connectivity, reducing systemic risks, and supporting GCCs and advanced technology operations, the initiative is set to play a key role in shaping India’s next phase of digital and enterprise infrastructure growth.
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