Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) data centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Jatni, Khordha district, during his one-day visit to Odisha on Sunday. The facilities, built at an investment of Rs 169 crore, are expected to strengthen India’s digital banking infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity.
The Prime Minister arrived at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft. He subsequently travelled by helicopter to Khordha, where he inaugurated the facilities at Info Valley-II in Jatni.
State-of-the-Art Facility for Data Security
The RBI data centre has been established across an 18.55-acre campus at Info Valley-II in Jatni. Equipped with advanced technology, the facility is expected to play a significant role in safeguarding critical financial data and strengthening the country’s digital banking ecosystem.
The foundation stone for the project was laid on March 22, 2023, by then RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
The Jatni facility is the RBI’s second data centre facility after the one in Navi Mumbai. Its establishment is expected to enhance the security and reliability of India’s banking infrastructure.
Focus on Cybersecurity and Digital Banking
The data centre will help safeguard information related to digital transactions conducted through platforms such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).
It is also expected to support the continuity of banking services during cyberattacks, technical disruptions and other emergencies. By strengthening data protection and operational resilience, the facility will help ensure that essential digital banking services remain reliable.
The project will also focus on emerging technologies, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics. The Cybersecurity Training Institute will provide specialised training to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and help address the growing challenges associated with digital financial systems.
Strategic Location of Jatni Facility
The location of the data centre at Info Valley-II in Khordha district is considered strategically important. Its geographical position, away from international borders, is expected to offer advantages in managing certain geopolitical risks.
The facility is designed to strengthen the security and resilience of critical financial infrastructure, supporting the RBI’s efforts to protect sensitive banking data and maintain uninterrupted services.
Tight Security Arrangements for PM’s Visit
Elaborate security arrangements were made by the Commissionerate Police for the Prime Minister’s visit. Security was tightened along the route connecting Bhubaneswar and Jatni.
Around 70 platoons of police personnel were deployed, while traffic restrictions were imposed in parts of the capital to ensure the smooth movement of the Prime Minister’s convoy and maintain public safety.
The inauguration marks an important step towards strengthening India’s digital financial infrastructure, with Odisha emerging as the location of a major RBI technology and cybersecurity facility.