Mumbai Ascends as a Global Data Center Hub, Ranking 6th in Under-Construction Capacity
Mumbai has emerged as a leading global data center hub, ranking 6th in under-construction capacity. Driven by the growth of cloud computing and AI, the city is becoming a key player in the Asia Pacific region's data center market.
Mumbai Data CenterCloud Computing GrowthGlobal Data CentersAsia Pacific Data Centers5g Rollouts ImpactReal Estate MumbaiJun 03, 2025
According to a report by Cushman & Wakefield, which covers 97 global markets, Mumbai ranks 6th globally in under-construction capacity, surpassing global hubs like London and Dublin. The report highlights power access, land availability, and infrastructure as key factors shaping data center development. Global Data Center markets are seeing surging demand due to relentless growth and expansion of cloud computing and AI workloads.
The data center industry experienced significant growth in 2024, and Asia Pacific cities continue to demonstrate strong growth momentum. Ten of the world’s 30 largest data center markets are now in the Asia Pacific region. The report highlights that Asia Pacific ended 2024 with 1.6 GW of new capacity coming online, bringing the region’s total operational data center capacity to 12.2 GW. The development pipeline remains strong, with an additional 14.4 GW of capacity currently under construction or planned.
Key drivers such as 5G rollouts, increased cloud adoption, rising digital content consumption, and expanding IoT use cases continue to accelerate demand in the region’s data center sector. “India’s data center landscape is undergoing a strategic shift—Mumbai has firmly positioned itself among the top global markets, while Pune is emerging as a key data center hub in the APAC region. India’s data center sector has attracted prominent international operators and investors, even as domestic players continue to expand capacity,” said Gautam Saraf, Executive Managing Director – Mumbai & New Business, India, Cushman & Wakefield.
These trends have attracted sustained investor interest, supported by rising occupancy levels, stable rental yields, and long-term growth prospects from hyperscale and colocation expansions. With these fundamentals, Asia Pacific is poised for continued growth over the next three to five years. Amid this regional momentum, Mumbai is emerging as a significant contributor to capacity expansion in the APAC region. The report further states that Mumbai ranks as the 7th most established data center market in the APAC region. At the end of 2024, the city had 335 MW of data center capacity under construction, which, once completed, will expand its operational capacity by 62%.
At the same time, Mumbai accounts for 42% of India’s projected under-construction capacity—underscoring its growing prominence as a regional data center hub. The data center growth is further supported by digital infrastructure upgrades in the city. 2025 may witness the completion of three crucial undersea data cable projects landing in Mumbai. These are expected to significantly increase India’s internet capacity and speed, enhancing inter-regional digital connectivity with Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The completion of these projects will further elevate Mumbai’s position as a major connectivity hub in the Southeast Asian region.
Pune is also emerging as a significant data center powerhouse, ranking 4th among APAC’s top emerging data center markets. As of Q1 2025, Pune’s operational data center stock stands at 112 IT MW. With an additional 190 IT MW of capacity currently in the under-construction or planned stages, across key corridors such as Hinjewadi and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the city is well-positioned for accelerated growth. Major players, including STT GDC, Nxtra by Airtel, and IronMountain are anchoring their presence in the region—attraction by Pune’s favorable climate, skilled talent pool, dependable power infrastructure, and strategic connectivity to Mumbai’s cable landing stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mumbai becoming a global data center hub?
Mumbai is becoming a global data center hub due to its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and strong demand for cloud computing and AI services. The city has access to reliable power, land availability, and is supported by digital infrastructure upgrades.
What are the key drivers of data center growth in the Asia Pacific region?
Key drivers of data center growth in the Asia Pacific region include 5G rollouts, increased cloud adoption, rising digital content consumption, and expanding IoT use cases. These factors are accelerating demand for data center services.
How is Pune contributing to the data center market in the APAC region?
Pune is emerging as a key data center hub in the APAC region, ranking 4th among emerging markets. The city has a favorable climate, skilled talent pool, and dependable power infrastructure, making it attractive for major data center players.
What are the projected impacts of undersea data cable projects in Mumbai?
The completion of undersea data cable projects in Mumbai is expected to significantly increase India’s internet capacity and speed, enhancing inter-regional digital connectivity with Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This will further solidify Mumbai’s position as a major connectivity hub.
What role do international operators and investors play in India’s data center sector?
International operators and investors are playing a significant role in India’s data center sector by bringing in advanced technology, expertise, and capital. This is helping to expand capacity and improve the overall ecosystem, making India a more attractive market for data center development.
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