In a transformative move poised to reshape India’s digital infrastructure landscape, Techno Electric & Engineering Company (TEECL) has launched Techno Digital Infra, a wholly-owned subsidiary, with an audacious investment plan of USD 1 billion (~INR 8,440 crore). This strategic venture aims to build an integrated nationwide network of hyperscale and edge data centers, targeting an ambitious cumulative capacity of 250 megawatts (MW).
The announcement signals a bold pivot for one of India’s most established EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) giants—TEECL, a stalwart in the power infrastructure space for over four decades. It’s a calculated bet that aligns squarely with India’s Digital India initiative and the country’s exploding demand for data processing, cloud services, AI, and low-latency computing solutions.
A Digital Infrastructure Powerhouse in the Making
TEECL’s entry into the digital infrastructure domain is not just opportunistic—it is deeply strategic. Armed with decades of EPC expertise, particularly in power systems, TEECL is uniquely positioned to address the high energy demands and reliability standards of modern data centers.
“This is more than a business diversification—it’s a mission to bridge the digital divide,” said Padam Prakash Gupta, Managing Director, TEECL. “Our legacy in energy and engineering primes us to be catalysts in this digital revolution.”
The company’s new digital venture, Techno Digital, is engineered to develop scalable, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious facilities. Its flagship hyperscale data center project, already under development in Chennai’s SIPCOT IT Park (Siruseri), exemplifies this vision. Spanning 2,00,000 square feet and offering 36 MW capacity, the facility will incorporate:
- Adiabatic cooling systems for optimal water efficiency,
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for sustainable power backup,
- 25% green cover to reduce environmental impact,
- A target Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.35, placing it among the top-performing facilities globally.
Techno Digital and RailTel Partnership
While hyperscale is the backbone, Techno Digital’s masterstroke lies in its edge strategy. In a landmark development, the company has partnered with RailTel Corporation of India, a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, to deploy 102 Edge Data Centers across 23 Indian states. This partnership marks one of the largest edge data deployments ever attempted in the country.
Edge computing, which brings data processing closer to the user, is pivotal for real-time applications in AI, BFSI, e-sports, OTT streaming, telemedicine, and e-governance. These smaller data centers, strategically located in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, will drastically reduce latency, improve service availability, and lower energy and connectivity costs.
“This partnership embodies our belief that digital access should not be a privilege, but a public utility,” said Ankit Saraiya, Director & CEO of Techno Electric. “We are enabling data to be processed where it’s generated, and that’s a game-changer for digital equity and performance in India.”
Market Confidence and Broader Implications
Techno Electric’s expansion couldn’t be timelier. With global hyperscalers, AI companies, and telecom operators scouting for robust data infrastructure, Techno Digital offers them a homegrown, technically sophisticated partner.
Market confidence in TEECL remains robust, underpinned by:
- A market capitalisation exceeding USD 1.5 billion (~INR 12,661 crore),
- Top-tier credit ratings in the infrastructure space,
- A portfolio diversified into renewable energy, smart metering (AMI), and emission control technologies.
Its foray into data infrastructure adds a high-growth, high-margin vertical to its already solid foundation.
Looking Ahead
The digital infrastructure narrative in India is shifting—from urban-centric mega installations to decentralised, smart-edge ecosystems. With Techno Digital, TEECL is staking its claim as both a visionary and an enabler in this evolution.
As investors and stakeholders scan for next-generation plays in India’s tech-industrial complex, Techno Electric’s move is not just news—it’s a strategic signal. A signal that India’s data economy is entering its infrastructure phase—and Techno Electric plans to build it, power it, and lead it.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s analysis based on publicly available information and does not constitute investment advice.