Navi Mumbai is rapidly cementing its position as India’s premier data centre destination, accounting for nearly 44 per cent of the country’s installed data centre capacity, or approximately 289 MW, according to recent industry estimates. The city’s robust infrastructure, reliable power supply, proximity to Mumbai’s financial district, and planned expansion corridors have attracted major global players, including Google, Microsoft, CtrlS, AdaniConneX, and Web Werks.
As data storage and cloud computing needs surge across industries-from banking and telecom to retail and AI-the demand for hyperscale and colocation facilities has soared. These next-gen data centres are being built at a rapid pace, using steel-intensive structural frameworks that provide the strength, flexibility, and modularity required for large, high-tech buildings.
Experts point out that structural steel is a preferred material for data centres due to its speed of construction, seismic resistance, fire performance, and load-bearing capability, particularly for supporting heavy equipment like server racks, cooling systems, and backup power units. Pre-engineered steel buildings (PEBs) and composite structures are increasingly used to meet the twin goals of scalability and speed-to-market in India’s fast-growing digital infrastructure sector.
The Maharashtra government’s pro-active data centre policy and fast-track approvals in Navi Mumbai’s MIDC and Panvel zones have also contributed to this momentum. Planned developments such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and upcoming multimodal logistics hubs further enhance the city’s strategic appeal.
According to reports, India’s total data centre capacity is expected to cross 1,300 MW by 2026, with a significant portion concentrated in Maharashtra. With this growth comes an equally strong demand for high-quality structural steel, offering new opportunities for steel manufacturers and fabricators alike.
