Mumbai Rises as APAC’s Premier Data Center Hub

Mumbai is rapidly establishing itself as one of Asia-Pacific’s top data center leasing markets, according to a new industry report. 
 
Fuelled by Amazon Web Services' expansive colocation model, the city’s data center capacity has surged, particularly with the 90 MegaWatt Navi Mumbai facility. This growth is expanding availability zones across key regions from Airoli to Panvel, making the city a crucial hyperscaler destination.
 
Chennai is also climbing the ranks, attracting major players with its strategic coastal location and robust connectivity. The city is increasingly favoured by hyperscalers seeking geographic diversification and infrastructure reliability.
  
Globally, the data center sector is poised for an explosive growth. The industry is expected to grow 46% by 2027—adding 20,828 MW—and potentially rise to 177% by 2030, backed by 229 billion pound in projected capital expenditure.

 
India's momentum is being driven by rapid digitalization, strong government policy support, and increasing enterprise demand. 
 
 
Knight Frank India’s Chairman highlighted the “unprecedented” scale of growth, pointing to Mumbai and Chennai as key anchors in the country’s evolving data center ecosystem. 
 
These cities offer scalable infrastructure and high-speed connectivity, positioning them on the global data center map.
 
North America remains the global leader, with a projected 11,638 MW increase (54%) and 128 billion pound in investment. EMEA is set for a 4,529 MW boost (44%) requiring 49.8 billion pound, while APAC is forecast to add 4,174 MW (32%) with 45.9 billion pound in backing.
 
Another industry expert emphasized the sector’s transformation, driven by demand for power, connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. 
 
He noted intensifying competition for premium development sites and the rising importance of navigating regulatory challenges and energy constraints.
 
Looking ahead, the future of data centers will depend on building infrastructure that not only meets growing demand but also upholds sustainability and data security standards.