Prayagraj: In a move expected to strengthen the city’s digital infrastructure and attract technology-driven investments, the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Airtel Nxtra Private Limited for the allotment of 4.43 acres at Saraswati Hi-Tech City in Prayagraj to set up a 10 MW data centre.The LoI, issued on Nov 5, covers Plots 5 and 7 and involves a proposed investment of around Rs 220 crore. The project is expected to generate employment for nearly 300 people, both directly and indirectly.Airtel Nxtra, a Bharti Airtel Group company, operates hyperscale and edge data centres across India and provides data centre services to enterprises, cloud service providers and other institutions. The proposed facility in Prayagraj is expected to support the growing demand for data storage, cloud services and other digital and information technology-based activities.The project is also expected to create opportunities for ancillary businesses linked to the IT sector and contribute to the city’s economic development.UPSIDA chief executive officer Balkar Singh said the proposed 10 MW facility marked an important step towards strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s modern digital infrastructure.“The project will help position Prayagraj as an emerging hub for data centres and IT-enabled activities while generating direct and indirect employment. UPSIDA is focusing on attracting investments in technology-driven sectors, including information technology, electronics and the digital economy, alongside conventional industries, while providing infrastructure and procedural support to investors,” he said.